Effective intracellular delivery of bevacizumab via PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles targeting the CD44v6 receptor in colon cancer cells

Optimization and evaluation of a chitosan-coated PLGA nanocarrier for mucosal delivery of Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens

Recent advances in understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggest the possibility of an infectious etiology, with Porphyromonas gingivalis emerging as a prime suspect in contributing to AD. P. gingivalis may invade systemic circulation via weakened oral/intestinal barriers and then cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), reaching the brain and precipitating AD pathology. Based on the proposed links between P. gingivalis and AD, a prospective approach is the development of an oral nanovaccine containing P. gingivalis antigens for mucosal delivery. Targeting the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the nanovaccine may elicit both mucosal and systemic immunity, thereby hampering P. gingivalis ability to breach the oral/intestinal barriers and the BBB, respectively. The present study describes the optimization, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of a candidate chitosan-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-CS) nanovaccine containing a P. gingivalis antigen extract. The nanocarrier was prepared using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized for selected experimental factors, e.g. PLGA amount, surfactant concentration, w1/o phase ratio, applying a d-optimal statistical design to target the desired physicochemical criteria for its intended application. After nanocarrier optimization, the nanovaccine was characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), morphology, and in vitro release profile, as well as for mucoadhesivity, stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antigen integrity, in vitro cytotoxicity and uptake using THP-1 macrophages. The candidate PLGA-CS nanovaccine demonstrated appropriate physicochemical, mucoadhesive, and antigen release properties for oral delivery, along with acceptable levels of EE (55.3 ± 3.5 %) and DL (1.84 ± 0.12 %). The integrity of the encapsulated antigens remained uncompromised throughout NPs production and simulated gastrointestinal exposure, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses. Furthermore, the nanovaccine showed effective in vitro uptake, while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential of PLGA-CS NPs as carriers for adequate antigen mucosal delivery, paving the way for further investigations into their applicability as vaccine candidates against P. gingivalis.

Nanotechnology-assisted intracellular delivery of antibody as a precision therapy approach for KRAS-driven tumors

The Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus (KRAS) oncoprotein, one of the most prevalent mutations in cancer, has been deemed undruggable for decades. The hypothesis of this work was that delivering anti-KRAS monoclonal antibody (mAb) at the intracellular level could effectively target the KRAS oncoprotein. To reach this goal, we designed and developed tLyP1-targeted palmitoyl hyaluronate (HAC16)-based nanoassemblies (HANAs) adapted for the association of bevacizumab as a model mAb. Selected candidates with adequate physicochemical properties (below 150 nm, neutral surface charge), and high drug loading capacity (>10%, w/w) were adapted to entrap the antiKRASG12V mAb. The resulting antiKRASG12V-loaded HANAs exhibited a bilayer composed of HAC16 polymer and phosphatidylcholine (PC) enclosing a hydrophilic core, as evidenced by cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Selected prototypes were found to efficiently engage the target KRASG12V and, inhibit proliferation and colony formation in KRASG12V-mutated lung cancer cell lines. In vivo, a selected formulation exhibited a tumor growth reduction in a pancreatic tumor-bearing mouse model. In brief, this study offers evidence of the potential to use nanotechnology for developing anti-KRAS precision therapy and provides a rational framework for advancing mAb intracellular delivery against intracellular targets.

Personalized Cancer Nanomedicine: Overcoming Biological Barriers for Intracellular Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals

The success of personalized medicine in oncology relies on using highly effective and precise therapeutic modalities such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Unfortunately, the clinical exploitation of these biological drugs has encountered obstacles in overcoming intricate biological barriers. Drug delivery technologies represent a plausible strategy to overcome such barriers, ultimately facilitating the access to intracellular domains. Here, an overview of the current landscape on how nanotechnology has dealt with protein corona phenomena as a first and determinant biological barrier is presented. This continues with the analysis of strategies facilitating access to the tumor, along with conceivable methods for enhanced tumor penetration. As a final step, the cellular barriers that nanocarriers must confront in order for their biological cargo to reach their target are deeply analyzed. This review concludes with a critical analysis and future perspectives of the translational advances in personalized oncological nanomedicine.

Biomaterial-Based Responsive Nanomedicines for Targeting Solid Tumor Microenvironments

Solid tumors are composed of a highly complex and heterogenic microenvironment, with increasing metabolic status. This environment plays a crucial role in the clinical therapeutic outcome of conventional treatments and innovative antitumor nanomedicines. Scientists have devoted great efforts to conquering the challenges of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in respect of effective drug accumulation and activity at the tumor site. The main focus is to overcome the obstacles of abnormal vasculature, dense stroma, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and pH gradient acidosis. In this endeavor, nanomedicines that are targeting distinct features of TME have flourished; these aim to increase site specificity and achieve deep tumor penetration. Recently, research efforts have focused on the immune reprograming of TME in order to promote suppression of cancer stem cells and prevention of metastasis. Thereby, several nanomedicine therapeutics which have shown promise in preclinical studies have entered clinical trials or are already in clinical practice. Various novel strategies were employed in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Among them, nanomedicines based on biomaterials show great promise in improving the therapeutic efficacy, reducing side effects, and promoting synergistic activity for TME responsive targeting. In this review, we focused on the targeting mechanisms of nanomedicines in response to the microenvironment of solid tumors. We describe responsive nanomedicines which take advantage of biomaterials' properties to exploit the features of TME or overcome the obstacles posed by TME. The development of such systems has significantly advanced the application of biomaterials in combinational therapies and in immunotherapies for improved anticancer effectiveness.

Infliximab microencapsulation: an innovative approach for intra-articular administration of biologics in the management of rheumatoid arthritis-in vitro evaluation

Microencapsulation of the therapeutical monoclonal antibody infliximab (INF) was investigated as an innovative approach to improve its stability and to achieve formulations with convenient features for intra-articular administration. Ultrasonic atomization (UA), a novel alternative to microencapsulate labile drugs, was compared with the conventional emulsion/evaporation method (Em/Ev) using biodegradable polymers, specifically Polyactive® 1000PEOT70PBT30 [poly(ethylene-oxide-terephthalate)/poly(butylene-terephthalate); PEOT-PBT] and its polymeric blends with poly-(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) RG502 and RG503 (PEOT-PBT:PLGA; 65:35). Six different formulations of spherical core-shell microcapsules were successfully developed and characterized. The UA method achieved a significantly higher encapsulation efficiency (69.7-80.25%) than Em/Ev (17.3-23.0%). Mean particle size, strongly determined by the microencapsulation method and to a lesser extent by polymeric composition, ranged from 26.6 to 49.9 µm for UA and 1.5-2.1 µm for Em/Ev. All formulations demonstrated sustained INF release in vitro for up to 24 days, with release rates modulated by polymeric composition and microencapsulation technique. Both methods preserved INF biological activity, with microencapsulated INF showing higher efficacy than commercial formulations at comparable doses regarding bioactive tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) neutralization according to WEHI-13VAR bioassay. Microparticles' biocompatibility and extensive internalization by THP-1-derived macrophages was demonstrated. Furthermore, high in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was achieved after treatment of THP-1 cells with INF-loaded microcapsules, significatively reducing in vitro production of TNF-α and interleucine-6 (Il-6).

Progressing nanotechnology to improve targeted cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in its clinical implementation

The use of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of cancer. Developments in protein engineering and materials science have led to the emergence of new nanoscale targeting techniques, which offer renewed hope for cancer patients. While several nanocarriers for medicinal purposes have been approved for human trials, only a few have been authorized for clinical use in targeting cancer cells. In this review, we analyze some of the authorized formulations and discuss the challenges of translating findings from the lab to the clinic. This study highlights the various nanocarriers and compounds that can be used for selective tumor targeting and the inherent difficulties in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for improving cancer detection and treatment in the future, but further research is needed to overcome the current limitations in clinical translation.

CD44v6, STn & O-GD2: promising tumor associated antigens paving the way for new targeted cancer therapies

Targeted therapies are the state of the art in oncology today, and every year new Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are developed for preclinical research and clinical trials, but few of them really change the therapeutic scenario. Difficulties, either to find antigens that are solely expressed in tumors or the generation of good binders to these antigens, represent a major bottleneck. Specialized cellular mechanisms, such as differential splicing and glycosylation processes, are a good source of neo-antigen expression. Changes in these processes generate surface proteins that, instead of showing decreased or increased antigen expression driven by enhanced mRNA processing, are aberrant in nature and therefore more specific targets to elicit a precise anti-tumor therapy. Here, we present promising TAAs demonstrated to be potential targets for cancer monitoring, targeted therapy and the generation of new immunotherapy tools, such as recombinant antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T) or Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Natural Killer (CAR-NK) for specific tumor killing, in a wide variety of tumor types. Specifically, this review is a detailed update on TAAs CD44v6, STn and O-GD2, describing their origin as well as their current and potential use as disease biomarker and therapeutic target in a diversity of tumor types.

Recent progress of targeted nanocarriers in diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications in colorectal cancer

Cancer at the lower end of the digestive tract, colorectal cancer (CRC), starts with asymptomatic polyps, which can be diagnosed as cancer at a later stage. It is the fourth leading cause of malignancy-associated mortality worldwide. Despite progress in conventional treatment strategies, the possibility to overcome the mortality and morbidity issues with the enhancement of the lifespan of CRC patients is limited. With the advent of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, a promising revolution has been made in diagnosis, treatment, and theranostic purposes for cancer management. Herein, we reviewed the progress of miniaturized nanocarriers, such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, employed in passive and active targeting and their role in theranostic applications in CRC. With this novel scope, the diagnosis and treatment of CRC have proceeded to the forefront of innovation, where specific characteristics of the nanocarriers, such as processability, flexibility in developing precise architecture, improved circulation, site-specific delivery, and rapid response, facilitate the management of cancer patients. Furthermore, surface-engineered technologies for the nanocarriers could involve receptor-mediated deliveries towards the overexpressed receptors on the CRC microenvironment. Moreover, the potential of clinical translation of these targeted miniaturized formulations as well as the possible limitations and barriers that could impact this translation into clinical practice were highlighted. The advancement of these newest developments in clinical research and progress into the commercialization stage gives hope for a better tomorrow.

Current advances in nanoformulations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor microenvironment to overcome drug resistance

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. In this line, revealing the precise mechanisms of the TME and associated signaling pathways of tumor resistance could pave the road for cancer prevention and efficient treatment. The use of nanomedicine could be a step forward in overcoming the barriers in tumor-targeted therapy. Novel delivery systems benefit from enhanced permeability and retention effect, decreasing tumor resistance, reducing tumor hypoxia, and targeting tumor-associated factors, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Emerging evidence also indicates the engagement of multiple dysregulated mediators in the TME, such as matrix metalloproteinase, vascular endothelial growth factor, cytokines/chemokines, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and related inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Hence, investigating novel multitargeted agents using a novel delivery system could be a promising strategy for regulating TME and drug resistance. In recent years, small molecules from natural sources have shown favorable anticancer responses by targeting TME components. Nanoformulations of natural compounds are promising therapeutic agents in simultaneously targeting multiple dysregulated factors and mediators of TME, reducing tumor resistance mechanisms, overcoming interstitial fluid pressure and pericyte coverage, and involvement of basement membrane. The novel nanoformulations employ a vascular normalization strategy, stromal/matrix normalization, and stress alleviation mechanisms to exert higher efficacy and lower side effects. Accordingly, the nanoformulations of anticancer monoclonal antibodies and conventional chemotherapeutic agents also improved their efficacy and lessened the pharmacokinetic limitations. Additionally, the coadministration of nanoformulations of natural compounds along with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies, and nanomedicine-based radiotherapy exhibits encouraging results. This critical review evaluates the current body of knowledge in targeting TME components by nanoformulation-based delivery systems of natural small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and combination therapies in both preclinical and clinical settings. Current challenges, pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.

Bevacizumab-loaded CalliSpheres beads: in vitro loading, release profiles and application in rabbit liver VX2 tumor model

Background

Bevacizumab loaded drug-eluting beads have the potential to reduce TACE related VEGF expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro loading, and release profiles of bevacizumab (BEV) loaded on Callispheres beads (CB) and its application in rabbit liver VX2 tumor model.

Methods

CB with sizes of 100-300 um and 300-500 um were divided into 5 groups, respectively. BEV with different content was prepared for CB loading, releasing and detected in the solution at different time points. The diameters of CB in each group were measured under a light microscope to calculate the shrinkage rate. The rabbit with VX2 liver model were divided into control group, CB-TACE group, CB-TACE+BEV group, and BEV group. The data of blood test, CT image, HE and IHC staining were compared and analyzed.

Results

The shrinkage rate of the 100-300 um CB was 2.6-7.2%, while the 300-500 um CB was 0.2-7.1%. The BEV-loaded CB (BEV-CB) has a burst release during the first hour and following gradually released with time. The release profiles of 100-300 um CB reach 34% in 24 hours, while the 300-500 um CB to 25.8%. BEV-CB with sizes of 100-300 um was chosen to perform transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The results showed that BEV-CB-TACE not only gradually increased the content of BEV in serum and organ tissue but also reduced the level of VEGF in serum. Pathological results suggested that the expression of HIF-1 was elevated while VEGF and MVD decreased when compared to the other groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study confirms that Callispheres beads could efficiency loaded BEV. BEV-CB-TACE has a good safety and effectiveness, and its application could reduce the level of VEGF-A in serum in the treatment of VX2 tumors.

Research advances in nanomedicine applied to the systemic treatment of colorectal cancer

The systematic treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) still has room for improvement. The efficacy of chemotherapy, that of anti-vascular therapy, and that of immunotherapy have been unsatisfactory. In recent years, nanomaterials have been used as carriers to improve the bioavailability of anticancer drugs. For the treatment of colorectal cancer, nanodrugs increase the possibility of more precise targeted delivery. However, the actual benefits may cover more aspects. Nanocarriers can produce synergistic effects with anticancer drugs, including the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and co-delivery of a variety of drugs. Currently, immunotherapy has very limited clinical applications in CRC. Modified nanocarriers can activate the immune microenvironment, which can be used for staging antigen recognition or the immune response. Cancer vaccines based on nanomaterials and modified immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown therapeutic potential in animal models. Considering the direct or indirect relationship between the intestinal microflora and CRC, a variety of nanodrugs that regulate microbial function have been explored as an anticancer strategy, and the special structure of microorganisms can also be used as a basis for improving the delivery of traditional nanoparticles (NPs). This review summarizes recent research performed on nanocarriers in in vivo and in vitro models and the synergistic anticancer effects of nanocarriers, focusing on the interaction between NPs and the body, resulting in enhanced efficacy and immune activation. Furthermore, this review describes the current trend of NPs used in the treatment of CRC.

Antibody-Incorporated Nanomedicines for Cancer Therapy

Antibody-based cancer therapy, one of the most significant therapeutic strategies, has achieved considerable success and progress over the past decades. Nevertheless, obstacles including limited tumor penetration, short circulation half-lives, undesired immunogenicity, and off-target side effects remain to be overcome for the antibody-based cancer treatment. Owing to the rapid development of nanotechnology, antibody-containing nanomedicines that have been extensively explored to overcome these obstacles have already demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy and clinical translation potential. This review intends to offer an overview of the advancements of antibody-incorporated nanoparticulate systems in cancer treatment, together with the nontrivial challenges faced by these next-generation nanomedicines. Diverse strategies of antibody immobilization, formats of antibodies, types of cancer-associated antigens, and anticancer mechanisms of antibody-containing nanomedicines are provided and discussed in this review, with an emphasis on the latest applications. The current limitations and future research directions on antibody-containing nanomedicines are also discussed from different perspectives to provide new insights into the construction of anticancer nanomedicines.

Glycans as Targets for Drug Delivery in Cancer

Simple Summary

Alterations in glycosylation are frequently observed in cancer cells. Different strategies have been proposed to increase drug delivery to the tumor site in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer drugs and avoid collateral cytotoxicity. The exploitation of drug delivery approaches directed to cancer-associated glycans has the potential to pave the way for better and more efficient personalized treatment practices. Such strategies taking advantage of aberrant cell surface glycosylation patterns enhance the targeting efficiency and optimize the delivery of clinically used drugs to cancer cells, with major potential for the clinical applications.

Abstract

Innovative strategies have been proposed to increase drug delivery to the tumor site and avoid cytotoxicity, improving the therapeutic efficacy of well-established anti-cancer drugs. Alterations in normal glycosylation processes are frequently observed in cancer cells and the resulting cell surface aberrant glycans can be used as direct molecular targets for drug delivery. In the present review, we address the development of strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates and nanoparticles that specific and selectively target cancer-associated glycans in tumor cells. The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery encompasses novel applications in cancer therapy, including vaccines encapsulated in synthetic nanoparticles and specific nanoparticles that target glycoproteins or glycan-binding proteins. Here, we highlight their potential to enhance targeting approaches and to optimize the delivery of clinically approved drugs to the tumor microenvironment, paving the way for improved personalized treatment approaches with major potential importance for the pharmaceutical and clinical sectors.

Intratumoral VEGF nanotrapper reduces gliobastoma vascularization and tumor cell mass

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and invasive malignant brain cancer. GBM is characterized by a dramatic metabolic imbalance leading to increased secretion of the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF and subsequent abnormal tumor vascularization. In 2009, FDA approved the intravenous administration of bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, as a therapeutic agent for patients with GBM. However, the number of systemic side effects and reduced accessibility of bevacizumab to the central nervous system and consequently to the GBM tumor mass limited its effectiveness in improving patient survival. In this study, we combined experimental and computational modelling to quantitatively characterize the dynamics of VEGF secretion and turnover in GBM and in normal brain cells and simultaneous monitoring of vessel growth. We showed that sequestration of VEGF inside GBM cells, can be used as a novel target for improved bevacizumab-based therapy. We have engineered the VEGF nanotrapper, a cargo system that allows cellular uptake of bevacizumab and inhibits VEGF secretion required for angiogenesis activation and development. Here, we show the therapeutic efficacy of this nanocargo in reducing vascularization and tumor cell mass of GBM in vitro and in vivo cancer models.

Tumor vasculature-targeting nanomedicines

Uncontrolled tumor growth and subsequent distant metastasis are highly dependent on an adequate nutrient supply from tumor blood vessels, which have relatively different pathophysiological characteristics from those of normal vasculature. Obviously, strategies targeting tumor vasculature, such as anti-angiogenic drugs and vascular disrupting agents, are attractive methods for cancer therapy. However, the off-target effects and high dose administration of these drug regimens critically restrict their clinical applications. In recent years, nanomedicines focused on tumor vasculature have been shown to be superior to traditional therapeutic methods and do not induce side effects. This review will first highlight the recent development of tumor vasculature-targeting nanomedicines from the following four aspects: 1) angiogenesis-inhibiting nanomedicines (AINs); 2) vasculature-disrupting nanomedicines (VDNs); 3) vasculature infarction nanomedicines (VINs); and 4) vasculature-regulating nanomedicines (VRNs). Furthermore, the design principles, limitations, and future directions are also discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the essential roles of tumor blood vessels, the therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature have exhibited good clinical therapeutic outcomes. However, poor patient adherence to free drug administration limits their clinical usage. Nanomedicines have great potential to overcome the abovementioned obstacle. This review summarizes the tumor-vasculature targeting nanomedicines from four aspects: 1) angiogenesis-inhibiting nanomedicines (AINs); 2) vasculature-disrupting nanomedicines (VDNs); 3) vasculature infarction nanomedicines (VINs); and 4) vasculature regulating nanomedicines (VRNs). In addition, this review provides perspectives on this research field.

Nanotechnologies for the delivery of biologicals: Historical perspective and current landscape

Biological macromolecule-based therapeutics irrupted in the pharmaceutical scene generating a great hope due to their outstanding specificity and potency. However, given their susceptibility to degradation and limited capacity to overcome biological barriers new delivery technologies had to be developed for them to reach their targets. This review aims at analyzing the historical seminal advances that shaped the development of the protein/peptide delivery field, along with the emerging technologies on the lead of the current landscape. Particularly, focus is made on technologies with a potential for transmucosal systemic delivery of protein/peptide drugs, followed by approaches for the delivery of antigens as new vaccination strategies, and formulations of biological drugs in oncology, with special emphasis on mAbs. Finally, a discussion of the key challenges the field is facing, along with an overview of prospective advances are provided.

Venetoclax nanomedicine alleviates acute lung injury via increasing neutrophil apoptosis

Delayed neutrophil apoptosis has been proved to be closely associated with acute lung injury. A Bcl-2 inhibitor, venetoclax, can improve the clinical outcome of acute lung injury based on its pro-apoptotic effect. However, pulmonary delivery of free venetoclax is hindered by its water insolubility, which results in limited bioavailability and pharmacological effects. An amphipathic polymer-based nanodelivery system has been extensively used to improve the delivery of this insoluble drug and enhance its bioavailability. In this study, an amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol) modified poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticle with an extended lung tissue-resident time was utilized to deliver venetoclax. Compared to free venetoclax, the nanoformulated venetoclax (Nf-venetoclax) presented better efficacy for acute lung injury through increasing neutrophil apoptosis in vivo. In addition, a stronger pro-apoptotic effect of Nf-venetoclax was also demonstrated in vitro. Our study provides encouraging evidence that Nf-venetoclax exhibits effective therapy for acute lung injury.

Polymeric micelles targeted against CD44v6 receptor increase niclosamide efficacy against colorectal cancer stem cells and reduce circulating tumor cells in vivo

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Patient survival is hampered by tumor relapse and the appearance of drug-resistant metastases, which are sustained by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC). Specific delivery of anti-CSC chemotherapeutic drugs to tumors by using targeted drug delivery systems that can also target CSC sub-population might substantially improve current clinical outcomes. CD44v6 is a robust biomarker for advanced CRC and CSC, due to its functional role in tumorigenesis and cancer initiation process. Here, we show that CD44v6-targeted polymeric micelles (PM) loaded with niclosamide (NCS), a drug against CSC, is a good therapeutic strategy against colorectal CSC and circulating tumor cells (CTC) in vivo. HCT116 cells were sorted according to their CD44v6 receptor expression into CD44v6+ (high) and CDv44v6- (low) subpopulations. Accordingly, CD44v6+ cells presented stemness properties, such as overexpression of defined stemness markers (ALDH1A1, CD44v3 and CXCR4) and high capacity to form colonspheres in low attachment conditions. NCS-loaded PM functionalized with an antibody fragment against CD44v6 (Fab-CD44v6) presented adequate size, charge, and encapsulation efficiency. In addition, Fab-CD44v6 significantly increased PM internalization in CD44v6+ cells. Further, encapsulation of NCS improved its effectiveness in vitro, particularly against colonspheres, and allowed to increase its intravenous dosage in vivo by increasing the amount of NCS able to be administered without causing toxicity. Remarkably, functionalized PM accumulate in tumors and significantly reduce CTC in vivo. In conclusion, CD44v6 targeted PM meet the essential conditions to become an efficient anti-CSC therapy.