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Farruggia G, Anconelli L, Galassi L, Voltattorni M, Rossi M, Lodeserto P, Blasi P, Orienti I. Nano-fenretinide demonstrates remarkable activity in acute promyeloid leukemia cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13737. [PMID: 38877119 PMCID: PMC11178801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64629-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by rearrangements of the retinoic acid receptor, RARα, which makes all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) highly effective in the treatment of this disease, inducing promyelocytes differentiation. Current therapy, based on ATRA in combination with arsenic trioxide, with or without chemotherapy, provides high rates of event-free survival and overall survival. However, a decline in the drug activity, due to increased ATRA metabolism and RARα mutations, is often observed over long-term treatments. Furthermore, dedifferentiation can occur providing relapse of the disease. In this study we evaluated fenretinide, a semisynthetic ATRA derivative, encapsulated in nanomicelles (nano-fenretinide) as an alternative treatment to ATRA in APL. Nano-fenretinide was prepared by fenretinide encapsulation in a self-assembling phospholipid mixture. Physico-chemical characterization was carried out by dinamic light scattering and spectrophotometry. The biological activity was evaluated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy. Nano-fenretinide induced apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL60) by an early increase of reactive oxygen species and a mitochondrial potential decrease. The fenretinide concentration that induced 90-100% decrease in cell viability was about 2.0 µM at 24 h, a concentration easily achievable in vivo when nano-fenretinide is administered by oral or intravenous route, as demonstrated in previous studies. Nano-fenretinide was effective, albeit at slightly higher concentrations, also in doxorubicin-resistant HL60 cells, while a comparison with TK6 lymphoblasts indicated a lack of toxicity on normal cells. The results indicate that nano-fenretinide can be considered an alternative therapy to ATRA in acute promyelocytic leukemia when decreased efficacy, resistance or recurrence of disease emerge after protracted treatments with ATRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Via Delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Anconelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Galassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Voltattorni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Rossi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Lodeserto
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Blasi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
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Gül D, Önal Acet B, Lu Q, Stauber RH, Odabaşı M, Acet Ö. Revolution in Cancer Treatment: How Are Intelligently Designed Nanostructures Changing the Game? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5171. [PMID: 38791209 PMCID: PMC11120744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely important tools to overcome the limitations imposed by therapeutic agents and effectively overcome biological barriers. Smart designed/tuned nanostructures can be extremely effective for cancer treatment. The selection and design of nanostructures and the adjustment of size and surface properties are extremely important, especially for some precision treatments and drug delivery (DD). By designing specific methods, an important era can be opened in the biomedical field for personalized and precise treatment. Here, we focus on advances in the selection and design of nanostructures, as well as on how the structure and shape, size, charge, and surface properties of nanostructures in biological fluids (BFs) can be affected. We discussed the applications of specialized nanostructures in the therapy of head and neck cancer (HNC), which is a difficult and aggressive type of cancer to treat, to give an impetus for novel treatment approaches in this field. We also comprehensively touched on the shortcomings, current trends, and future perspectives when using nanostructures in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Gül
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (B.Ö.A.); (Q.L.); (R.H.S.)
| | - Burcu Önal Acet
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (B.Ö.A.); (Q.L.); (R.H.S.)
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Arts and Science, Aksaray University, Aksaray 68100, Turkey;
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (B.Ö.A.); (Q.L.); (R.H.S.)
| | - Roland H. Stauber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (B.Ö.A.); (Q.L.); (R.H.S.)
| | - Mehmet Odabaşı
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Arts and Science, Aksaray University, Aksaray 68100, Turkey;
| | - Ömür Acet
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (B.Ö.A.); (Q.L.); (R.H.S.)
- Pharmacy Services Program, Vocational School of Health Science, Tarsus University, Tarsus 33100, Turkey
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Makimoto A, Fujisaki H, Matsumoto K, Takahashi Y, Cho Y, Morikawa Y, Yuza Y, Tajiri T, Iehara T. Retinoid Therapy for Neuroblastoma: Historical Overview, Regulatory Challenges, and Prospects. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:544. [PMID: 38339295 PMCID: PMC10854948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and include trans-retinoic acid, isotretinoin, tamibarotene, and bexarotene, all of which are currently available for clinical use. The clinical development of retinoid therapy for neuroblastoma has a history spanning more than four decades. The most promising agent is isotretinoin, which can contribute to improving event-free survival in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma by approximately 10% when administered over six months as maintenance therapy. Although isotretinoin is regarded as an essential component in the standard clinical management of high-risk neuroblastoma, its use for this purpose in the US and EU is off-label. To promote isotretinoin use in Japan as a treatment for neuroblastoma, our clinical research team is planning to launch an investigator-initiated, registration-directed clinical trial. The present review article discusses the basic science behind retinoid therapy, pre-clinical/clinical evidence on neuroblastoma, the concept of the proposed clinical trial, and prospects for this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Makimoto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, Fuchu 183-8561, Japan
- Clinical Research Support Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, Fuchu 183-8561, Japan;
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, Fuchu 183-8561, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Fujisaki
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka 534-0021, Japan;
| | - Kimikazu Matsumoto
- Children’s Cancer Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
| | - Yoshiyuki Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan;
| | - Yuko Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo 060-8648, Japan;
| | - Yoshihiko Morikawa
- Clinical Research Support Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, Fuchu 183-8561, Japan;
| | - Yuki Yuza
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, Fuchu 183-8561, Japan;
| | - Tatsuro Tajiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
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Al-Bustany HA, Muhammad HA, Chawsheen MA, Dash PR. Fenretinide induces apoptosis and synergises the apoptosis inducing effect of gemcitabine through inhibition of key signalling molecules involved in A549 cell survival in in silico and in vitro analyses. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110885. [PMID: 37704095 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid compound, which induces apoptosis via generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. We hypothesise that fenretinide's mechanism of action in triggering apoptosis may involve other targets, beside mTOR signalling pathway and it may augment apoptosis inducing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer. Time-lapse microscopy and Western blotting were used to evaluate apoptosis and apoptotic marker cleaved-Caspase 3 in A549 cells. Relative levels of protein phosphorylation and ROS were quantified by Human Phospho-Kinase Array Kit and CellROX® Green Reagent, respectively. Docking and simulation analyses of proteins and fenretinide interactions were identified and visualised by Discovery Studio Visualizer and AutoDock Vina software. Our results showed that fenretinide induced apoptosis in a dose dependant manner and combinations of fenretinide (5 μg/mL) and gemcitabine (1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 μg/mL) synergistically enhanced apoptosis in A549 cells. Fenretinide caused significant increase of cleaved-Caspase 3, de-phosphorylated p-S473 of Akt and failed to inhibit mTORC1 downstream targets. In silico results revealed that Akt required the lowest energy (-10.2 kcal/mol) to interact with fenretinide in comparison with other proteins. In conclusion, Akt may be exploited as a good target for induction of apoptosis in A549 cells and fenretinide has great potentials to fulfil this task. The mechanism by which fenretinide boosts the apoptosis inducing effects of gemcitabine, which is likely expected to be via inhibiting mTORC2 downstream targets. However, docking investigation revealed that fenretinide lacks specificity as it may also interact with several secondary targets beside Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem A Al-Bustany
- Department of Basic Science, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Hawzheen A Muhammad
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mahmoud A Chawsheen
- Department of General Sciences, Faculty of Education, Soran University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Medical Research Centre, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Iraq.
| | - Phil R Dash
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Naxitamab Activity in Neuroblastoma Cells Is Enhanced by Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020648. [PMID: 36839972 PMCID: PMC9966923 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma cells highly express the disialoganglioside GD2, a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen, which is also expressed in neurons, skin melanocytes, and peripheral nerve fibers. Immunotherapy with monoclonal anti-GD2 antibodies has a proven efficacy in clinical trials and is included in the standard treatment for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, the strong neuro-toxicity associated with anti-GD2 antibodies administration has hindered, until now, the possibility for dose-escalation and protracted use, thus restraining their therapeutic potential. Strategies to increase the efficacy of anti-GD2 antibodies are actively sought, with the aim to enable chronic treatments that could eradicate minimal residual disease and subsequent relapses, often occurring after treatment. Here, we report that Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine improved the expression of GD2 in neuroblastoma cells (CHP-134) and provided different effects in combination with the anti-GD2 antibody naxitamab. In particular, Nanofenretinide significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of naxitamab while Nanospermidine inhibited cell motility at extents proportional to naxitamab concentration. In neuroblastoma cells characterized by a low and heterogeneous basal expression of GD2, such as SH-SY5Y, which may represent the cell heterogeneity in tumors after chemotherapy, both Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine increased GD2 expression in approximately 50% of cells, thus shifting the tumor population towards improved sensitivity to anti-GD2 antibodies.
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Potenza RL, Lodeserto P, Orienti I. Fenretinide in Cancer and Neurological Disease: A Two-Face Janus Molecule. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137426. [PMID: 35806431 PMCID: PMC9266536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, several chemotherapeutic drugs have been repositioned in neurological diseases, based on common biological backgrounds and the inverse comorbidity between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Fenretinide (all-trans-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide, 4-HPR) is a synthetic derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid initially proposed in anticancer therapy for its antitumor effects combined with limited toxicity. Subsequently, fenretinide has been proposed for other diseases, for which it was not intentionally designed for, due to its ability to influence different biological pathways, providing a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Here, we review the most relevant preclinical and clinical findings from fenretinide and discuss its therapeutic role towards cancer and neurological diseases, highlighting the hormetic behavior of this pleiotropic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-49902389
| | - Pietro Lodeserto
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.L.); (I.O.)
| | - Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.L.); (I.O.)
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7
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Nanospermidine in Combination with Nanofenretinide Induces Cell Death in Neuroblastoma Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061215. [PMID: 35745787 PMCID: PMC9229898 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A new strategy to cause cell death in tumors might be the increase of intracellular polyamines at concentrations above their physiological values to trigger the production of oxidation metabolites at levels exceeding cell tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we prepared nanospermidine as a carrier for spermidine penetration into the cells, able to escape the polyamine transport system that strictly regulates intracellular polyamine levels. Nanospermidine was prepared by spermidine encapsulation in nanomicelles and was characterized by size, zeta potential, loading, dimensional stability to dilution, and stability to spermidine leakage. Antitumor activity, ROS production, and cell penetration ability were evaluated in vitro in two neuroblastoma cell lines (NLF and BR6). Nanospermidine was tested as a single agent and in combination with nanofenretinide. Free spermidine was also tested as a comparison. The results indicated that the nanomicelles successfully transported spermidine into the cells inducing cell death in a concentration range (150–200 μM) tenfold lower than that required to provide similar cytotoxicity with free spermidine (1500–2000 μM). Nanofenretinide provided a cytostatic effect in combination with the lowest nanospermidine concentrations evaluated and slightly improved nanospermidine cytotoxicity at the highest concentrations. These data suggest that nanospermidine has the potential to become a new approach in cancer treatment. At the cellular level, in fact, it exploits polyamine catabolism by means of biocompatible doses of spermidine and, in vivo settings, it can exploit the selective accumulation of nanomedicines at the tumor site. Nanofenretinide combination further improves its efficacy. Furthermore, the proven ability of spermidine to activate macrophages and lymphocytes suggests that nanospermidine could inhibit immunosuppression in the tumor environment.
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Companioni O, Mir C, Garcia-Mayea Y, LLeonart ME. Targeting Sphingolipids for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745092. [PMID: 34737957 PMCID: PMC8560795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are an extensive class of lipids with different functions in the cell, ranging from proliferation to cell death. Sphingolipids are modified in multiple cancers and are responsible for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. Several inhibitors or activators of sphingolipid signaling, such as fenretinide, safingol, ABC294640, ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), SKI-II, α-galactosylceramide, fingolimod, and sonepcizumab, have been described. The objective of this review was to analyze the results from preclinical and clinical trials of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sphingolipid-targeting drugs have been tested alone or in combination with chemotherapy, exhibiting antitumor activity alone and in synergism with chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence of treatments, the most frequent mechanism of cell death is apoptosis, followed by autophagy. Aslthough all these drugs have produced good results in preclinical studies of multiple cancers, the outcomes of clinical trials have not been similar. The most effective drugs are fenretinide and α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In contrast, minor adverse effects restricted to a few subjects and hepatic toxicity have been observed in clinical trials of ABC294640 and safingol, respectively. In the case of CNLs, SKI-II, fingolimod and sonepcizumab there are some limitations and absence of enough clinical studies to demonstrate a benefit. The effectiveness or lack of a major therapeutic effect of sphingolipid modulation by some drugs as a cancer therapy and other aspects related to their mechanism of action are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Companioni
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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Cosio T, Gaziano R, Zuccari G, Costanza G, Grelli S, Di Francesco P, Bianchi L, Campione E. Retinoids in Fungal Infections: From Bench to Bedside. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100962. [PMID: 34681186 PMCID: PMC8539705 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoids-a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A or chemically related to it-are used especially in dermatology, oncohematology and infectious diseases. It has been shown that retinoids-from their first generation-exert a potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. In this review, we summarize current evidence on retinoids' efficacy as antifungal agents. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, Trials.gov) and reference lists of respective articles from 1946 to today. Only articles published in the English language were included. A total of thirty-nine articles were found according to the criteria. In this regard, to date, In vitro and In vivo studies have demonstrated the efficacy of retinoids against a broad-spectrum of human opportunistic fungal pathogens, including yeast fungi that normally colonize the skin and mucosal surfaces of humans such as Candida spp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Malassezia furfur, as well as environmental moulds such as Aspergillus spp., Fonsecae monofora and many species of dermatophytes associated with fungal infections both in humans and animals. Notwithstanding a lack of double-blind clinical trials, the efficacy, tolerability and safety profile of retinoids have been demonstrated against localized and systemic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terenzio Cosio
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Gaetana Costanza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Paolo Di Francesco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Ruiz-Pulido G, Medina DI, Barani M, Rahdar A, Sargazi G, Baino F, Pandey S. Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:3706. [PMID: 34279276 PMCID: PMC8269895 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a category of cancers that typically arise from the nose-, mouth-, and throat-lining squamous cells. The later stage of HNC diagnosis significantly affects the patient's survival rate. This makes it mandatory to diagnose this cancer with a suitable biomarker and imaging techniques at the earlier stages of growth. There are limitations to traditional technologies for early detection of HNC. Furthermore, the use of nanocarriers for delivering chemo-, radio-, and phototherapeutic drugs represents a promising approach for improving the outcome of HNC treatments. Several studies with nanostructures focus on the development of a targeted and sustained release of anticancer molecules with reduced side effects. Besides, nanovehicles could allow co-delivering of anticancer drugs for synergistic activity to counteract chemo- or radioresistance. Additionally, a new generation of smart nanomaterials with stimuli-responsive properties have been developed to distinguish between unique tumor conditions and healthy tissue. In this light, the present article reviews the mechanisms used by different nanostructures (metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, quantum dots, liposomes, nanomicelles, etc.) to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, provides an up-to-date picture of the state of the art in this field, and highlights the major challenges for future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ruiz-Pulido
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Atizapan de Zaragoza 52926, Mexico
| | - Dora I Medina
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Atizapan de Zaragoza 52926, Mexico
| | - Mahmood Barani
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 76169-14115, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zabol, Zabol 538-98615, Iran
| | - Ghasem Sargazi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Science, Bam 76617-71967, Iran
| | - Francesco Baino
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Institute of Materials Physics and Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Sadanand Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
- Particulate Matter Research Center, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology (RIST), 187-12, Geumho-ro, Gwangyang-si 57801, Korea
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11
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Apolinário AC, Hirata AS, Anjos Miguel RD, Costa-Lotufo LV, Pessoa A, La Clair JJ, Fenical W, Lopes LB. Exploring the benefits of nanotechnology for cancer drugs in different stages of the drug development pipeline. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:2539-2542. [PMID: 32945726 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Soares Hirata
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dos Anjos Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Veras Costa-Lotufo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Department of Biochemical & Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James J La Clair
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - William Fenical
- Center for Marine Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Luciana Biagini Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Orienti I, Farruggia G, Nguyen F, Guan P, Calonghi N, Kolla V, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. Nanomicellar Lenalidomide-Fenretinide Combination Suppresses Tumor Growth in an MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma Tumor. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:6873-6886. [PMID: 32982239 PMCID: PMC7502401 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s262032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In a previous study, we demonstrated that the combination of fenretinide with lenalidomide, administered by a novel nanomicellar formulation (FLM), provided a strong antitumor effect in a neuroblastoma TrkB-expressing tumor. In this study, we tested the nanomicellar combination in an MYCN amplified neuroblastoma xenograft to assess its efficacy in different tumor genotypes and evaluate the interactions of the nanomicelles with the tumor cells. Experimental Design FLM was administered to mice bearing human NLF xenografts to evaluate its efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FM). Confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy images of the NLF cells treated with FLM and FM allowed us to estimate the nanomicelle ability to transport the encapsulated drugs inside the tumor cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells from treated tumors was performed to assess the effect of treatment on GD2 expression and NK cell infiltration. Results FLM and FM decreased the growth of NLF xenografts at comparable extents during the treatment period. Afterwards, FLM induced a progressive tumor regression without regrowth, while FM treatment was followed by regrowth within 15-20 days after the end of treatment. Both FLM and FM were able to penetrate the tumor cells transporting the encapsulated drugs. FLM transported higher amount of fenretinide inside the cells. Also, FLM treatment strongly increased GD2 expression in treated tumors and slightly decreased the NK infiltration compared to FM. Conclusion FLM treatment induced a superior antitumor response than FM in NLF xenografts, presumably due to the combined effects of fenretinide cytotoxicity and lenalidomide antiangiogenic activity. The ability of FLM to penetrate tumor cells, transporting the encapsulated drugs, substantially improved the therapeutic efficiency of this system. Moreover, the enhancement of GD2 expression in FLM treated tumors offers the possibility to further increase the antitumor effect by the use of anti-GD2 CAR-T cells and anti-GD2 antibodies in combination with FLM in multimodal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Aravindan N, Herman T, Aravindan S. Emerging therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:899-914. [PMID: 33021426 PMCID: PMC7554151 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1790528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is the prime cancer of infancy, and accounts for 9% of pediatric cancer deaths. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB experience a complete cure, those with high-risk disease (HR-NB) do not recover, despite intensive therapeutic strategies. Development of novel and effective targeted therapies is needed to counter disease progression, and to benefit long-term survival of children with HR-NB. AREAS COVERED Recent studies (2017-2020) pertinent to NB evolution are selectively reviewed to recognize novel and effective therapeutic targets. The prospective and promising therapeutic targets/strategies for HR-NB are categorized into (a) targeting oncogene-like and/or reinforcing tumor suppressor (TS)-like lncRNAs; (b) targeting oncogene-like microRNAs (miRs) and/or mimicking TS-miRs; (c) targets for immunotherapy; (d) targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells; (e) novel and beneficial combination approaches; and (f) repurposing drugs and other strategies in development. EXPERT OPINION It is highly unlikely that agents targeting a single candidate or signaling will be beneficial for an HR-NB cure. We must develop efficient drug deliverables for functional targets, which could be integrated and advance clinical therapy. Fittingly, the looming evidence indicated an aggressive evolution of promising novel and integrative targets, development of efficient drugs, and improvised strategies for HR-NB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence Herman
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, USA
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Orienti I, Gentilomi GA, Farruggia G. Pulmonary Delivery of Fenretinide: A Possible Adjuvant Treatment In COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3812. [PMID: 32471278 PMCID: PMC7312074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no vaccine or effective standard treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (or coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)), which frequently leads to lethal pulmonary inflammatory responses. COVID-19 pathology is characterized by extreme inflammation and amplified immune response with activation of a cytokine storm. A subsequent progression to acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can take place, which is often followed by death. The causes of these strong inflammatory responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unknown. As uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation is likely the main cause of death in SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions are particularly important. Fenretinide N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide is a bioactive molecule characterized by poly-pharmacological properties and a low toxicity profile. Fenretinide is endowed with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulating properties other than efficacy in obesity/diabetic pathologies. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, in particular, could likely have utility in multimodal therapies for the treatment of ALI/ARDS in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, fenretinide administration by pulmonary delivery systems could further increase its therapeutic value by carrying high drug concentrations to the lungs and triggering a rapid onset of activity. This is particularly important in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where only a narrow time window exists for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Angela Gentilomi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (BBNI), 00136 Roma, Italy
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