Efficacy evaluation and mechanism study on inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by multimodal targeted nanobubbles carrying AMD070 and ICG

A promising strategy of surface-modified nanoparticles targeting CXCR4 for precision cancer therapy

Nanoparticle (NP) functionalization with specific ligands enhances targeted cancer therapy and imaging by promoting receptor recognition and improving cellular uptake. This review focuses on recent research exploring the interaction between cancer cell-expressed chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and ligand-conjugated NPs, utilising small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Active NP targeting has shown improved tumour targeting and reduced toxicity, enabling precision therapy and diagnosis. However, challenges persist in the clinical translation of targeted NPs due to issues with biological response, tumour accumulation, and maintaining NP quality at an industrial scale. Biological and intratumoral barriers further hinder efficient NP accumulation in tumours, hampering translatability. To address these challenges, the academic community is refocusing efforts on understanding NP biological fate and establishing robust preclinical models. Future studies should investigate NP-body interactions, develop computational models, and identify optimal preclinical models. Establishing central NP research databases and fostering collaboration across disciplines is crucial to expediting clinical translation. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock the transformative potential of CXCR4-ligand-NP conjugates in revolutionising cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Perspectives of HIV-Associated Chemokine Receptor (CCR5 and CXCR4) Antagonists in Carcinomas

The interaction between malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment is critical for tumor progression, and the chemokine ligand/receptor axes play a crucial role in this process. The CXCR4/CXCL12 and CCR5/CCL5 axes, both related to HIV, have been associated with the early (epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasion) and late events (migration and metastasis) of cancer progression. In addition, these axes can also modulate the immune response against tumors. Thus, antagonists against the receptors of these axes have been proposed in cancer therapy. Although preclinical studies have shown promising results, clinical trials are needed to include these drugs in the oncological treatment protocols. New alternatives for these antagonists, such as dual CXCR4/CCR5 antagonists or combined therapy in association with immunotherapy, need to be studied in cancer therapy.

Recent Advances in CXCL12/CXCR4 Antagonists and Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Chemokines can induce chemotactic cell migration by interacting with G protein-coupled receptors to play a significant regulatory role in the development of cancer. CXC chemokine-12 (CXCL12) can specifically bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and is closely associated with the progression of cancer via multiple signaling pathways. Over recent years, many CXCR4 antagonists have been tested in clinical trials; however, Plerixafor (AMD3100) is the only drug that has been approved for marketing thus far. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms that mediate the physiological effects of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Then, we describe the use of CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonists. Finally, we discuss the use of nano-based drug delivery systems that exert action on the CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis.

Ultrasound combined with nanobubbles promotes systemic anticancer immunity and augments anti-PD1 efficacy

BACKGROUND

The poor immunogenicity of solid tumors limits the efficacy ofanti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD1)-based immune checkpoint blockade (ICB); thus, less than 30% of patients with cancer exhibit a response. Currently, there is still a lack of effective strategies for improving tumor immunogenicity.

METHODS

The antitumor effect of ultrasound-stimulated nanobubbles (USNBs) alone and in combination with an anti-PD1 antibody was evaluated in RM1 (prostate cancer), MC38 (colon cancer) and B16 (melanoma) xenograft mouse models. The phenotypes of antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) release, antigen release and tumor cell necrosis were assessed via western blot, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

USNB promoted the infiltration and antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells. The combination of USNB and anti-PD1 blockade improved systemic antitumor immunity and resulted in an abscopal effect and long-term immune memory protection after complete tumor remission. Mechanistically, tumor-targeting USNB induced tumor cell necrosis through an ultrasound-mediated cavitation effect, which significantly increased DAMP release and tumor antigen presentation, consequently sensitizing tumors to ICB treatment.

CONCLUSION

The administration of USNB increased tumor immunogenicity by remodeling the tumor-immune microenvironment, providing a promising strategy for sensitizing poorly immunogenic solid tumors to immunotherapy in the clinic.

Erythrocyte-mimicking subcutaneous platform with a laser-controlled treatment against diabetes

Exogenous insulin (INS) is critical for managing diabetes. However, owing to its short in vivo half-life, frequent injection of INS is un-avoidable, which is both painful and inconvenient, compromising the quality of life. Herein, we developed a laser-regulated INS release system (INS-ICG@ER hydrogel) that allowed an on-demand release of INS from the subcutaneous INS reservoir by remote laser control without the frequent injection of INS. The amino acid hydrogel functions as a hydrogel 3D scaffold material, which offers increased subcutaneous stability of drug loaded erythrocytes (ER). This INS-ICG@ER hydrogel would release INS due to the elevated content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by ICG under laser irritation. Conversely, the ROS would be scavenged without the laser irradiation and stopped the release of INS from INS-ICG@ER hydrogel. Furthermore, the release of INS from INS-ICG@ER hydrogel could be regulated by laser irradiation. The INS-ICG@ER hydrogels could control the hyperglycemia within 2 h in diabetic mice and maintained their normal blood glucose level (BGL) for up to 6 days with laser irradiation 30 min prior to meals avoiding the frequent injection of free INS. This delivery system is an effective method that offers a spatiotemporally controlled release of INS to control the glucose level in vivo.

Breast Cancer with Bone Metastasis: Molecular Insights and Clinical Management

Despite the remarkable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients, the presence or development of metastasis remains an incurable condition. Bone is one of the most frequent sites of distant dissemination and negatively impacts on patient's survival and overall frailty. The interplay between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment induces bone destruction and tumor progression. To date, the clinical management of bone metastatic breast cancer encompasses anti-tumor systemic therapies along with bone-targeting agents, aimed at slowing bone resorption to reduce the risk of skeletal-related events. However, their effect on patients' survival remains controversial. Unraveling the biology that governs the interplay between breast neoplastic cells and bone tissue would provide means for the development of new therapeutic agents. This article outlines the state-of-the art in the characterization and targeting the bone metastasis in breast cancer, focusing on the major clinical and translational studies on this clinically relevant topic.