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Di Paolo D, Pastorino F, Brignole C, Corrias MV, Emionite L, Cilli M, Tamma R, Priddy L, Amaro A, Ferrari D, Marotta R, Ferretti E, Pfeffer U, Ribatti D, Sementa AR, Brown D, Ikegaki N, Shimada H, Ponzoni M, Perri P. Combined Replenishment of miR-34a and let-7b by Targeted Nanoparticles Inhibits Tumor Growth in Neuroblastoma Preclinical Models. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906426. [PMID: 32323486 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) tumor substantially contributes to childhood cancer mortality. The design of novel drugs targeted to specific molecular alterations becomes mandatory, especially for high-risk patients burdened by chemoresistant relapse. The dysregulated expression of MYCN, ALK, and LIN28B and the diminished levels of miR-34a and let-7b are oncogenic in NB. Due to the ability of miRNA-mimics to recover the tumor suppression functions of miRNAs underexpressed into cancer cells, safe and efficient nanocarriers selectively targeted to NB cells and tested in clinically relevant mouse models are developed. The technology exploits the nucleic acids negative charges to build coated-cationic liposomes, then functionalized with antibodies against GD2 receptor. The replenishment of miR-34a and let-7b by NB-targeted nanoparticles, individually and more powerfully in combination, significantly reduces cell division, proliferation, neoangiogenesis, tumor growth and burden, and induces apoptosis in orthotopic xenografts and improves mice survival in pseudometastatic models. These functional effects highlight a cooperative down-modulation of MYCN and its down-stream targets, ALK and LIN28B, exerted by miR-34a and let-7b that reactivate regulatory networks leading to a favorable therapeutic response. These findings demonstrate a promising therapeutic efficacy of miR-34a and let-7b combined replacement and support its clinical application as adjuvant therapy for high-risk NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Di Paolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - Chiara Brignole
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Leslie Priddy
- Mirna Therapeutics, Inc. 2150 Woodward Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX, 78744, USA
| | - Adriana Amaro
- Tumor Epigenetic Unit, IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrari
- TIB MOLBIOL S.r.l., Advanced Biotechnology Center, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Roberto Marotta
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, 16163, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferretti
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- Tumor Epigenetic Unit, IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Angela Rita Sementa
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - David Brown
- Mirna Therapeutics, Inc. 2150 Woodward Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX, 78744, USA
| | - Naohiko Ikegaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, Genoa, 16147, Italy
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, Genoa, 16147, Italy
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Kholodenko RV, Kalinovsky DV, Doronin II, Ponomarev ED, Kholodenko IV. Antibody Fragments as Potential Biopharmaceuticals for Cancer Therapy: Success and Limitations. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:396-426. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170817152554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important class of therapeutic agents approved for the therapy of many types of malignancies. However, in certain cases applications of conventional mAbs have several limitations in anticancer immunotherapy. These limitations include insufficient efficacy and adverse effects. The antigen-binding fragments of antibodies have a considerable potential to overcome the disadvantages of conventional mAbs, such as poor penetration into solid tumors and Fc-mediated bystander activation of the immune system. Fragments of antibodies retain antigen specificity and part of functional properties of conventional mAbs and at the same time have much better penetration into the tumors and a greatly reduced level of adverse effects. Recent advantages in antibody engineering allowed to produce different types of antibody fragments with improved structure and properties for efficient elimination of tumor cells. These molecules opened up new perspectives for anticancer therapy. Here, we will overview the structural features of the various types of antibody fragments and their applications for anticancer therapy as separate molecules and as part of complex conjugates or structures. Mechanisms of antitumor action of antibody fragments as well as their advantages and disadvantages for clinical application will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman V. Kholodenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
| | - Daniel V. Kalinovsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
| | - Igor I. Doronin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
| | - Eugene D. Ponomarev
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Brain, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong
| | - Irina V. Kholodenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
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3
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Ponzoni M, Curnis F, Brignole C, Bruno S, Guarnieri D, Sitia L, Marotta R, Sacchi A, Bauckneht M, Buschiazzo A, Rossi A, Di Paolo D, Perri P, Gori A, Sementa AR, Emionite L, Cilli M, Tamma R, Ribatti D, Pompa PP, Marini C, Sambuceti G, Corti A, Pastorino F. Enhancement of Tumor Homing by Chemotherapy-Loaded Nanoparticles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1802886. [PMID: 30294852 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201802886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Targeted delivery of anticancer drugs with nanocarriers can reduce side effects and ameliorate therapeutic efficacy. However, poorly perfused and dysfunctional tumor vessels limit the transport of the payload into solid tumors. The use of tumor-penetrating nanocarriers might enhance tumor uptake and antitumor effects. A peptide containing a tissue-penetrating (TP) consensus motif, capable of recognizing neuropilin-1, is here fused to a neuroblastoma-targeting peptide (pep) previously developed. Neuroblastoma cell lines and cells derived from both xenografts and high-risk neuroblastoma patients show overexpression of neuropilin-1. In vitro studies reveal that TP-pep binds cell lines and cells derived from neuroblastoma patients more efficiently than pep. TP-pep, after coupling to doxorubicin-containing stealth liposomes (TP-pep-SL[doxorubicin]), enhances their uptake by cells and cytotoxic effects in vitro, while increasing tumor-binding capability and homing in vivo. TP-pep-SL[doxorubicin] treatment enhances the Evans Blue dye accumulation in tumors but not in nontumor tissues, pointing to selective increase of vascular permeability in tumor tissues. Compared to pep-SL[doxorubicin], TP-pep-SL[doxorubicin] shows an increased antineuroblastoma activity in three neuroblastoma animal models mimicking the growth of neuroblastoma in humans. The enhancement of drug penetration in tumors by TP-pep-targeted nanoparticles may represent an innovative strategy for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 16132, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Brignole
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Guarnieri
- Nanobiointeractions & Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Sitia
- Nanobiointeractions & Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Marotta
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Nanochemistry Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 16132, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bauckneht
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ambra Buschiazzo
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Paolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Tecnologie dei Materiali, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela R Sementa
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Pompa
- Nanobiointeractions & Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16131, Genoa, Italy
- CNR Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16131, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 16132, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
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Kholodenko IV, Kalinovsky DV, Doronin II, Deyev SM, Kholodenko RV. Neuroblastoma Origin and Therapeutic Targets for Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:7394268. [PMID: 30116755 PMCID: PMC6079467 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7394268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric solid cancer of heterogeneous clinical behavior. The unique features of this type of cancer frequently hamper the process of determining clinical presentation and predicting therapy effectiveness. The tumor can spontaneously regress without treatment or actively develop and give rise to metastases despite aggressive multimodal therapy. In recent years, immunotherapy has become one of the most promising approaches to the treatment of neuroblastoma. Still, only one drug for targeted immunotherapy of neuroblastoma, chimeric monoclonal GD2-specific antibodies, is used in the clinic today, and its application has significant limitations. In this regard, the development of effective and safe GD2-targeted immunotherapies and analysis of other potential molecular targets for the treatment of neuroblastoma represents an important and topical task. The review summarizes biological characteristics of the origin and development of neuroblastoma and outlines molecular markers of neuroblastoma and modern immunotherapy approaches directed towards these markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Kholodenko
- Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - Daniel V. Kalinovsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Igor I. Doronin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Real Target LLC, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI”, Moscow 115409, Russia
| | - Roman V. Kholodenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Real Target LLC, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
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5
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Interaction of Poly(l-lysine)/Polysaccharide Complex Nanoparticles with Human Vascular Endothelial Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2018; 8:nano8060358. [PMID: 29882877 PMCID: PMC6027445 DOI: 10.3390/nano8060358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in both soft and hard tissue regeneration, which can be modulated by therapeutic drugs. If nanoparticles (NP) are used as vectors for drug delivery, they have to encounter endothelial cells (EC) lining the vascular lumen, if applied intravenously. Herein the interaction of unloaded polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PECNP) composed of cationic poly(l-lysine) (PLL) and various anionic polysaccharides with human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) was analyzed. In particular PECNP were tested for their cell adhesive properties, their cellular uptake and intracellular localization considering composition and net charge. PECNP may form a platform for both cell coating and drug delivery. PECNP, composed of PLL in combination with the polysaccharides dextran sulfate (DS), cellulose sulfate (CS) or heparin (HEP), either unlabeled or labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and either with positive or negative net charge were prepared. PECNP were applied to human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in both, the volume phase and immobilized phase at model substrates like tissue culture dishes. The attachment of PECNP to the cell surface, their intracellular uptake, and effects on cell proliferation and growth behavior were determined. Immobilized PECNP reduced attachment of HUVEC, most prominently the systems PLL/HEP and PLL/DS. A small percentage of immobilized PECNP was taken up by cells during adhesion. PECNP in the volume phase showed no effect of the net charge sign and only minor effects of the composition on the binding and uptake of PECNP at HUVEC. PECNP were stored in endosomal vesicles in a cumulative manner without apparent further processing. During mitosis, internalized PECNP were almost equally distributed among the dividing cells. Both, in the volume phase and immobilized at the surface, PECNP composed of PLL/HEP and PLL/DS clearly reduced cell proliferation of HUVEC, however without an apparent cytotoxic effect, while PLL/CS composition showed minor impairment. PECNP have an anti-adhesive effect on HUVEC and are taken up by endothelial cells which may negatively influence the proliferation rate of HUVEC. The negative effects were less obvious with the composition PLL/CS. Since uptake and binding for PLL/HEP was more efficient than for PLL/DS, PECNP of PLL/HEP may be used to deliver growth factors to endothelial cells during vascularization of bone reconstitution material, whereas those of PLL/CS may have an advantage for substituting biomimetic bone scaffold material.
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6
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Perez Horta Z, Goldberg JL, Sondel PM. Anti-GD2 mAbs and next-generation mAb-based agents for cancer therapy. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:1097-117. [PMID: 27485082 PMCID: PMC5619016 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated efficacy in the clinic, becoming an important approach for cancer immunotherapy. Due to its limited expression on normal tissue, the GD2 disialogangloside expressed on neuroblastoma cells is an excellent candidate for mAb therapy. In 2015, dinutuximab (an anti-GD2 mAb) was approved by the US FDA and is currently used in a combination immunotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Here, we review the extensive preclinical and clinical development of anti-GD2 mAbs and the different mechanisms by which they mediate tumor cell killing. In addition, we discuss different mAb-based strategies that capitalize on the targeting ability of anti-GD2 mAbs to potentially deliver, as monotherapy, or in combination with other treatments, improved antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob L Goldberg
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics & Genetics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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7
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Di Paolo D, Yang D, Pastorino F, Emionite L, Cilli M, Daga A, Destafanis E, Di Fiore A, Piaggio F, Brignole C, Xu X, Liang C, Gibbons J, Ponzoni M, Perri P. New therapeutic strategies in neuroblastoma: combined targeting of a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor and liposomal siRNAs against ALK. Oncotarget 2016; 6:28774-89. [PMID: 26299615 PMCID: PMC4745691 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many different aberrations in the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) were found to be oncogenic drivers in several cancers including neuroblastoma (NB), therefore ALK is now considered a critical player in NB oncogenesis and a promising therapeutic target. The ALK-inhibitor crizotinib has a limited activity against the various ALK mutations identified in NB patients. We tested: the activity of the novel ALK-inhibitor X-396 administered alone or in combination with Targeted Liposomes carrying ALK-siRNAs (TL[ALK-siRNA]) that are active irrespective of ALK gene mutational status; the pharmacokinetic profiles and the biodistribution of X-396; the efficacy of X-396 versus crizotinib treatment in NB xenografts; whether the combination of X-396 with the TL[ALK-siRNA] could promote long-term survival in NB mouse models. X-396 revealed good bioavailability, moderate half-life, high mean plasma and tumor concentrations. X-396 was more effective than crizotinib in inhibiting in vitro cell proliferation of NB cells and in reducing tumor volume in subcutaneous NB models in a dose-dependent manner. In orthotopic NB xenografts, X-396 significantly increased life span independently of the ALK mutation status. In combination studies, all effects were significantly improved in the mice treated with TL[ALK-siRNA] and X-396 compared to mice receiving the single agents. Our findings provide a rational basis to design innovative molecular-based treatment combinations for clinical application in ALK-driven NB tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Yang
- Sundia MediTech Company, Ltd., Shangai, China
| | | | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- Laboratorio Trasferimento Genico, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Destafanis
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Present address: Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular, IRCCS Politecnico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Xiaobao Xu
- Sundia MediTech Company, Ltd., Shangai, China
| | | | | | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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Bartolini A, Di Paolo D, Noghero A, Murgia D, Sementa AR, Cilli M, Pasqualini R, Arap W, Bussolino F, Ponzoni M, Pastorino F, Marchiò S. The Neuronal Pentraxin-2 Pathway Is an Unrecognized Target in Human Neuroblastoma, Which Also Offers Prognostic Value in Patients. Cancer Res 2015; 75:4265-71. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Cossu I, Bottoni G, Loi M, Emionite L, Bartolini A, Di Paolo D, Brignole C, Piaggio F, Perri P, Sacchi A, Curnis F, Gagliani MC, Bruno S, Marini C, Gori A, Longhi R, Murgia D, Sementa AR, Cilli M, Tacchetti C, Corti A, Sambuceti G, Marchiò S, Ponzoni M, Pastorino F. Neuroblastoma-targeted nanocarriers improve drug delivery and penetration, delay tumor growth and abrogate metastatic diffusion. Biomaterials 2015; 68:89-99. [PMID: 26276694 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Selective tumor targeting is expected to enhance drug delivery and to decrease toxicity, resulting in an improved therapeutic index. We have recently identified the HSYWLRS peptide sequence as a specific ligand for aggressive neuroblastoma, a childhood tumor mostly refractory to current therapies. Here we validated the specific binding of HSYWLRS to neuroblastoma cell suspensions obtained either from cell lines, animal models, or Schwannian-stroma poor, stage IV neuroblastoma patients. Binding of the biotinylated peptide and of HSYWLRS-functionalized fluorescent quantum dots or liposomal nanoparticles was dose-dependent and inhibited by an excess of free peptide. In animal models obtained by the orthotopic implant of either MYCN-amplified or MYCN single copy human neuroblastoma cell lines, treatment with HSYWLRS-targeted, doxorubicin-loaded Stealth Liposomes increased tumor vascular permeability and perfusion, enhancing tumor penetration of the drug. This formulation proved to exert a potent antitumor efficacy, as evaluated by bioluminescence imaging and micro-PET, leading to (i) delay of tumor growth paralleled by decreased tumor glucose consumption, and (ii) abrogation of metastatic spreading, accompanied by absence of systemic toxicity and significant increase in the animal life span. Our findings are functional to the design of targeted nanocarriers with potentiated therapeutic efficacy towards the clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cossu
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bottoni
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Loi
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Bartolini
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment, Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Genoa Section, CNR Institute of Bioimages and Molecular Physiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Longhi
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Murgia
- Department of Pathology, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Tacchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Experimental Imaging Center, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Marchiò
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment, Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
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Seib FP, Coburn J, Konrad I, Klebanov N, Jones GT, Blackwood B, Charest A, Kaplan DL, Chiu B. Focal therapy of neuroblastoma using silk films to deliver kinase and chemotherapeutic agents in vivo. Acta Biomater 2015; 20:32-38. [PMID: 25861948 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Current methods for treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma patients include surgical intervention, in addition to systemic chemotherapy. However, only limited therapeutic tools are available to pediatric surgeons involved in neuroblastoma care, so the development of intraoperative treatment modalities is highly desirable. This study presents a silk film library generated for focal therapy of neuroblastoma; these films were loaded with either the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin or the targeted drug crizotinib. Drug release kinetics from the silk films were fine-tuned by changing the amount and physical crosslinking of silk; doxorubicin loaded films were further refined by applying a gold nanocoating. Doxorubicin-loaded, physically crosslinked silk films showed the best in vitro activity and superior in vivo activity in orthotopic neuroblastoma studies when compared to the doxorubicin-equivalent dose administered intravenously. Silk films were also suitable for delivery of the targeted drug crizotinib, as crizotinib-loaded silk films showed an extended release profile and an improved response both in vitro and in vivo when compared to freely diffusible crizotinib. These findings, when combined with prior in vivo data on silk, support a viable future for silk-based anticancer drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Philipp Seib
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jeannine Coburn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Ilona Konrad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Nikolai Klebanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Gregory T Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Brian Blackwood
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Alain Charest
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Bill Chiu
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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11
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Tumor vascular targeted liposomal-bortezomib minimizes side effects and increases therapeutic activity in human neuroblastoma. J Control Release 2015; 211:44-52. [PMID: 26031842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.05.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer with poor long-term prognosis in advanced stages. A major aim in neuroblastoma therapy is to develop targeted drug delivery systems to ameliorate drug therapeutic index and efficacy. In this study, a novel bortezomib (BTZ) liposomal formulation was set-up and characterized. Since BTZ is freely permeable across the lipidic bilayer, an amino-lactose (LM) was synthesized as complexing agent to entrap BTZ inside the internal aqueous compartment of stealth liposomes. High encapsulation efficiency was achieved by a loading method based on the formation of boronic esters between the boronic acid moiety of BTZ and the hydroxyl groups of LM. Next, NGR peptides were linked to the liposome surface as a targeting-ligand for the tumor endothelial cell marker, aminopeptidase N. Liposomes were characterized for size, Z-potential, polydispersity index, drug content, and release. Lyophilization in the presence of cryoprotectants (trehalose, sucrose) was also examined in terms of particle size changes and drug leakage. BTZ was successfully loaded into non-targeted (SL[LM-BTZ]) and targeted (NGR-SL[LM-BTZ]) liposomes with an entrapment efficiency of about 68% and 57%, respectively. These nanoparticles were suitable for intravenous administration, presenting an average diameter of 170nm and narrow polydispersity. Therefore, orthotopic NB-bearing mice were treated with 1.0 or 1.5mg/kg of BTZ, either in free form or encapsulated into liposomes. BTZ loaded liposomes showed a significant reduction of drug systemic adverse effects with respect to free drug, even at the highest dose tested. Moreover, mice treated with 1.5mg/kg of NGR-SL[LM-BTZ] lived statistically longer than untreated mice (P=0.0018) and SL[LM-BTZ]-treated mice (P=0.0256). Our results demonstrate that the novel vascular targeted BTZ formulation is endowed with high therapeutic index and low toxicity, providing a new tool for future applications in neuroblastoma clinical studies.
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12
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Fernandes E, Ferreira JA, Andreia P, Luís L, Barroso S, Sarmento B, Santos LL. New trends in guided nanotherapies for digestive cancers: A systematic review. J Control Release 2015; 209:288-307. [PMID: 25957905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Digestive tract tumors are among the most common and deadliest malignancies worldwide, mainly due to late diagnosis and lack of efficient therapeutics. Current treatments essentially rely on surgery associated with (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy agents. Despite an upfront response, conventional drugs often fail to eliminate highly aggressive clones endowed with chemoresistant properties, which are responsible for tumor recurrence and disease dissemination. Synthetic drugs also present severe adverse systemic effects, hampering the administration of biologically effective dosages. Nanoencapsulation of chemotherapeutic agents within biocompatible polymeric or lipid matrices holds great potential to improve the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of conventional chemotherapy while reducing systemic toxicity. Tagging nanoparticle surfaces with specific ligands for cancer cells, namely monoclonal antibodies or antibody fragments, has provided means to target more aggressive clones, further improving the selectivity and efficacy of nanodelivery vehicles. In fact, over the past twenty years, significant research has translated into a wide array of guided nanoparticles, providing the molecular background for a new generation of intelligent and more effective anti-cancer agents. Attempting to bring awareness among the medical community to emerging targeted nanopharmaceuticals and foster advances in the field, we have conducted a systematic review about this matter. Emphasis was set on ongoing preclinical and clinical trials for liver, colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancers. To the best of our knowledge this is the first systematic and integrated overview on this field. Using a specific query, 433 abstracts were gathered and narrowed to 47 manuscripts when matched against inclusion/exclusion criteria. All studies showed that active targeting improves the effectiveness of the nanodrugs alone, while lowering its side effects. The main focus has been on hepatocarcinomas, mainly by exploring glycans as homing molecules. Other ligands such as peptides/small proteins and antibodies/antibody fragments, with affinity to either tumor vasculature or tumor cells, have also been widely and successfully applied to guide nanodrugs to gastrointestinal carcinomas. Conversely, few solutions have been presented for pancreatic tumors. To this date only three nanocomplexes have progressed beyond pre-clinical stages: i) PK2, a galactosamine-functionalized polymeric-DOX formulation for hepatocarcinomas; ii) MCC-465, an anti-(myosin heavy chain a) immunoliposome for advanced stage metastatic solid tumors; and iii) MBP-426, a transferrin-liposome-oxaliplatin conjugate, also for advanced stage tumors. Still, none has been approved for clinical use. However, based on the high amount of pre-clinical studies showing enthusiastic results, the number of clinical trials is expected to increase in the near future. A more profound understanding about the molecular nature of chemoresistant clones and cancer stem cell biology will also contribute to boost the field of guided nanopharmacology towards more effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Fernandes
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal and INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Alexandre Ferreira
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal; Mass Spectrometry Center, QOPNA, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Peixoto Andreia
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lima Luís
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal; Nucleo de Investigação em Farmácia - Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente (CISA), Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Barroso
- Serviço de Oncologia, Hospital de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal and INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra PRD, Portugal
| | - Lúcio Lara Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal; Health School of University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal; Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
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13
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Ćavar S, Jelašić D, Seiwerth S, Milošević M, Hutinec Z, Mišić M. Endoglin (CD 105) as a potential prognostic factor in neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62:770-5. [PMID: 25683142 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoglin (CD105) is a cytokine that modulates angiogenesis by regulating different cellular functions, including endothelial proliferation, differentiation, migration and formation of microvessels. CD105 is expressed strongly in the tumor vasculature, and intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD), as determined by the use of antibodies to CD105, it has been found to be an important prognostic indicator for outcome in various malignances. This study aims to determine if the clinical outcome of children with neuroblastoma is correlated with IMVD, as determined by CD105 staining and other prognostic factors. PROCEDURE Tumor tissue specimens from 38 patients with peripheral neuroblastic tumors who underwent surgical resection or biopsy of their primary tumor without any preoperative therapy were retrospectively reviewed. IMVD was identified immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies against CD105. Prognostic factors, such as the MYCN oncogene, disease stage, histopathology and age, were correlated with outcome. RESULTS Among 38 examined specimens, the median IMVD value was 23.2 (15.1-28.4). The IMVD identified by CD105 was significantly higher in patients with unfavorable histology, metastatic disease, MYCN amplification and COG high risk group. ROC analysis was used to find significant IMVD level regarding EFS. The cut-off >18 was selected according to the greatest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (68.42%). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that MYCN amplification and IMVD were significant prognostic factors in predicting EFS (hazard ratio for MYCN amplification: 3.61; 95% CI: 1.20-10.90; P = 0.023 and for IMVD: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00-1.09; P = 0.037). CONCLUSION IMVD determined by CD105 appeared to be an independent prognostic factor for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanko Ćavar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia
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14
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Loi M, Becherini P, Emionite L, Giacomini A, Cossu I, Destefanis E, Brignole C, Di Paolo D, Piaggio F, Perri P, Cilli M, Pastorino F, Ponzoni M. sTRAIL coupled to liposomes improves its pharmacokinetic profile and overcomes neuroblastoma tumour resistance in combination with Bortezomib. J Control Release 2014; 192:157-66. [PMID: 25041999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common and deadly extracranial solid tumour of childhood, represents a challenging in paediatric oncology. Soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) is a cancer cell-specific molecule exerting remarkable anti-tumour activities against paediatric malignancies both in vitro and in preclinical settings. However, due to its too fast elimination and to the undesired related side effects, the improvement of sTRAIL in vivo bioavailability and the specific delivery to the tumour is mandatory for increasing its therapeutic efficacy. In this manuscript, we developed an innovative pegylated liposomal formulation carrying the sTRAIL at the outer surface (sTRAIL-SL) with the intent to improve its serum half-life and increase its efficacy in vivo, while reducing side effects. Furthermore, the possibility to combine sTRAIL-SL with the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib (BTZ) was investigated, being BTZ able to sensitize tumour cells toward TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We demonstrated that sTRAIL preserved and improved its anti-tumour activity when coupled to nanocarriers. Moreover, sTRAIL-SL ameliorated its PK profile in blood allowing sTRAIL to exert a more potent anti-tumour activity, which led, upon BTZ priming, to a statistically significant enhanced life spans in two models of sTRAIL-resistant NB-bearing mice. Finally, mechanistic studies indicated that the combination of sTRAIL with BTZ sensitized sTRAIL-resistant NB tumour cells to sTRAIL-induced cell death, both in vitro and in vivo, through the Akt/GSK3/β-catenin axis-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, our results suggest that sTRAIL-SL might be an efficient vehicle for sTRAIL delivery and that its use in clinic, in combination with BTZ, might represent an adjuvant strategy for the treatment of stage IV, sTRAIL-resistant, NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Loi
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - P Becherini
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - L Emionite
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Giacomini
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - I Cossu
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - E Destefanis
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - C Brignole
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - D Di Paolo
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - F Piaggio
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - P Perri
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - M Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Pastorino
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy.
| | - M Ponzoni
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16148, Italy.
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15
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Brown BS, Patanam T, Mobli K, Celia C, Zage PE, Bean AJ, Tasciotti E. Etoposide-loaded immunoliposomes as active targeting agents for GD2-positive malignancies. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:851-61. [PMID: 24755919 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.28875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic chemotherapeutics remain the standard of care for most malignancies even though they frequently suffer from narrow therapeutic index, poor serum solubility, and off-target effects. In this study, we have encapsulated etoposide, a topoisomerase inhibitor effective against a wide range of cancers, in surface-modified liposomes decorated with anti-GD2 antibodies. We characterized the properties of the liposomes using a variety of methods including dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. We examined whether these immunoliposomes were able to target cell lines expressing varying levels of surface GD2 and affect cellular proliferation. Anti-GD2 liposomes were generally targeted in a manner that correlated with GD2 expression and inhibited proliferation in cell lines to which they were efficiently targeted. The mechanism by which the immunoliposomes entered targeted cells appeared to be via clathrin-dependent uptake as demonstrated using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. These studies suggest that anti-GD2-targeted, etoposide-loaded liposomes represent a potential strategy for more effective delivery of anti-cancer drugs that could be used for GD2 positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon S Brown
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston, TX USA; Department of Nanomedicine; The Methodist Hospital Research Institute; Houston, TX USA
| | - Tariq Patanam
- Department of Nanomedicine; The Methodist Hospital Research Institute; Houston, TX USA
| | - Keyan Mobli
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston, TX USA; Department of Nanomedicine; The Methodist Hospital Research Institute; Houston, TX USA
| | - Christian Celia
- Department of Nanomedicine; The Methodist Hospital Research Institute; Houston, TX USA; Department of Pharmacy; University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti; Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Peter E Zage
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX USA; Section of Hematology-Oncology; Department of Pediatrics; Texas Children's Cancer Center; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX USA
| | - Andrew J Bean
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston, TX USA; Division of Pediatrics; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX USA
| | - Ennio Tasciotti
- Department of Nanomedicine; The Methodist Hospital Research Institute; Houston, TX USA
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16
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Fonseca NA, Gregório AC, Valério-Fernandes A, Simões S, Moreira JN. Bridging cancer biology and the patients' needs with nanotechnology-based approaches. Cancer Treat Rev 2014; 40:626-35. [PMID: 24613464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains as stressful condition and a leading cause of death in the western world. Actual cornerstone treatments of cancer disease rest as an elusive alternative, offering limited efficacy with extensive secondary effects as a result of severe cytotoxic effects in healthy tissues. The advent of nanotechnology brought the promise to revolutionize many fields including oncology, proposing advanced systems for cancer treatment. Drug delivery systems rest among the most successful examples of nanotechnology. Throughout time they have been able to evolve as a function of an increased understanding from cancer biology and the tumor microenvironment. Marketing of Doxil® unleashed a remarkable impulse in the development of drug delivery systems. Since then, several nanocarriers have been introduced, with aspirations to overrule previous technologies, demonstrating increased therapeutic efficacy besides decreased toxicity. Spatial and temporal targeting to cancer cells has been explored, as well as the use of drug combinations co-encapsulated in the same particle as a mean to take advantage of synergistic interactions in vivo. Importantly, targeted delivery of siRNA for gene silencing therapy has made its way to the clinic for a "first in man" trial using lipid-polymeric-based particles. Focusing in state-of-the-art technology, this review will provide an insightful vision on nanotechnology-based strategies for cancer treatment, approaching them from a tumor biology-driven perspective, since their early EPR-based dawn to the ones that have truly the potential to address unmet medical needs in the field of oncology, upon targeting key cell subpopulations from the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno A Fonseca
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; FFUC - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Gregório
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Angela Valério-Fernandes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Simões
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; FFUC - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João N Moreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; FFUC - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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17
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Bottino C, Dondero A, Bellora F, Moretta L, Locatelli F, Pistoia V, Moretta A, Castriconi R. Natural killer cells and neuroblastoma: tumor recognition, escape mechanisms, and possible novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Front Immunol 2014; 5:56. [PMID: 24575100 PMCID: PMC3921882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor of childhood and arises from developing sympathetic nervous system. Most primary tumors localize in the abdomen, the adrenal gland, or lumbar sympathetic ganglia. Amplification in tumor cells of MYCN, the major oncogenic driver, patients' age over 18 months, and the presence at diagnosis of a metastatic disease (stage IV, M) identify NB at high risk of treatment failure. Conventional therapies did not significantly improve the overall survival of these patients. Moreover, the limited landscape of somatic mutations detected in NB is hampering the development of novel pharmacological approaches. Major efforts aim to identify novel NB-associated surface molecules that activate immune responses and/or direct drugs to tumor cells and tumor-associated vessels. PVR (Poliovirus Receptor) and B7-H3 are promising targets, since they are expressed by most high-risk NB, are upregulated in tumor vasculature and are essential for tumor survival/invasiveness. PVR is a ligand of DNAM-1 activating receptor that triggers the cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells against NB. In animal models, targeting of PVR with an attenuated oncolytic poliovirus induced tumor regression and elimination. Also B7-H3 was successfully targeted in preclinical studies and is now being tested in phase I/II clinical trials. B7-H3 down-regulates NK cytotoxicity, providing NB with a mechanism of escape from immune response. The immunosuppressive potential of NB can be enhanced by the release of soluble factors that impair NK cell function and/or recruitment. Among these, TGF-β1 modulates the cytotoxicity receptors and the chemokine receptor repertoire of NK cells. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the main cell surface molecules and soluble mediators that modulate the function of NK cells in NB, considering the pros and cons that must be taken into account in the design of novel NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy ; Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genova , Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Francesca Bellora
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Dipartimento di Onco-Ematologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Bambino Gesù , Roma , Italy ; Università di Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy ; Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy ; Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy
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18
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Ahmed M, Cheung NKV. Engineering anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. FEBS Lett 2013; 588:288-97. [PMID: 24295643 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Ganglioside GD2 is highly expressed on neuroectoderm-derived tumors and sarcomas, including neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma in children and adolescents, as well as liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas in adults. Since GD2 expression in normal tissues is restricted to the brain, which is inaccessible to circulating antibodies, and in selected peripheral nerves and melanocytes, it was deemed a suitable target for systemic tumor immunotherapy. Anti-GD2 antibodies have been actively tested in clinical trials for neuroblastoma for over the past two decades, with proven safety and efficacy. The main limitations have been acute pain toxicity associated with GD2 expression on peripheral nerve fibers and the inability of antibodies to treat bulky tumor. Several strategies have been developed to reduce pain toxicity, including bypassing complement activation, using blocking antibodies, or targeting of O-acetyl-GD2 derivative that is not expressed on peripheral nerves. To enhance anti-tumor efficacy, anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies and fragments have been engineered into immunocytokines, immunotoxins, antibody drug conjugates, radiolabeled antibodies, targeted nanoparticles, T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptors. The challenges of these approaches will be reviewed to build a perspective for next generation anti-GD2 therapeutics in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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