Nanodrug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Fabrication of co-delivery liposomal formulation incorporating carmustine and cabazitaxel displays improved cytotoxic potential and induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is the primary cause of death from cancer in female patients. The existing treatments for ovarian cancer are restricted and ineffective in achieving a cure for the disease. To address this issue, we provide a novel approach to treating ovarian cancer by utilizing a liposomal carrier that effectively delivers the chemotherapeutic drugs carmustine (BCNU) and cabazitaxel (CTX). Initially, the combined impact of BCNU and CTX was confirmed, revealing that this impact reaches its maximum at a ratio of 1:2 mol/mol (BCNU/CTX). After that, the BC-Lipo co-delivery system was developed, which has a high capability for loading drugs (97.48% ± 1.14 for BCNU, 86.29% ± 3.03 for CTX). This system also has a sustained release profile and a beneficial long-circulating feature. The accumulation of BC-Lipo in tumors was dramatically enhanced compared to the accumulation of the free drug. Furthermore, BC-Lipo demonstrated similar levels of cytotoxicity to free BCNU and CTX (BCNU/CTX) when tested on HeLa cells in an in vitro model. Biochemical staining methods investigated the cancer cell's morphological examination. The apoptosis was confirmed by FITC-Annexin-V/PI staining by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, the investigation of fluorescence and protein markers examined the apoptosis mechanistic pathway, and the results indicated that BC-Lipo induced apoptosis due to mitochondrial membrane potential variation. This proof-of-concept study has established the probability of these BCNU-CTX combined treatments as active drug delivery nanocarriers for poorly soluble BCNU and CTX.

pH-responsive self-assembled nanoparticles for tumor-targeted drug delivery

Recent advances in the field of drug delivery have opened new avenues for the development of novel nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) in cancer therapy. Self-assembled nanoparticles (SANPs) based on tumour microenvironment have great advantages in improving antitumor effect, and pH-responsive SANPs prepared by the combination of pH-responsive nanomaterials and self-assembly technology can effectively improve the efficacy and reduce the systemic toxicity of antitumor drugs. In this review, we describe the characteristics of self-assembly and its driving force, the mechanism of pH-responsive NDDS, and the nanomaterials for pH-responsive SANPs type. A series of pH-responsive SANPs for tumour-targeted drug delivery are discussed, with an emphasis on the relation between structural features and theranostic performance.

A Comprehensive Review on Current Treatments and Challenges Involved in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynaecological malignancy. It typically affects females over the age of 50, and since 75% of cases are only discovered at stage III or IV, this is a sign of a poor diagnosis. Despite intraperitoneal chemotherapy's chemosensitivity, most patients relapse and face death. Early detection is difficult, but treatment is also difficult due to the route of administration, resistance to therapy with recurrence, and the need for precise cancer targeting to minimize cytotoxicity and adverse effects. On the other hand, undergoing debulking surgery becomes challenging, and therapy with many chemotherapeutic medications has manifested resistance, a condition known as multidrug resistance (MDR). Although there are other therapeutic options for ovarian cancer, this article solely focuses on co-delivery techniques, which work via diverse pathways to overcome cancer cell resistance. Different pathways contribute to MDR development in ovarian cancer; however, usually, pump and non-pump mechanisms are involved. Striking cancerous cells from several angles is important to defeat MDR. Nanocarriers are known to bypass the drug efflux pump found on cellular membranes to hit the pump mechanism. Nanocarriers aid in the treatment of ovarian cancer by enhancing the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to the tumour sites through passive or active targeting, thereby reducing unfavorable side effects on the healthy tissues. Additionally, the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) mechanism boosts the bioavailability of the tumour site. To address the shortcomings of conventional delivery, the current review attempts to explain the current conventional treatment with special reference to passively and actively targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) towards specific receptors developed to treat ovarian cancer. In conclusion, tailored nanocarriers would optimize medication delivery into the intracellular compartment before optimizing intra-tumour distribution. Other novel treatment possibilities for ovarian cancer include tumour vaccines, gene therapy, targeting epigenetic alteration, and biologically targeted compounds. These characteristics might enhance the therapeutic efficacy.

Recent updates on nano-phyto-formulations based therapeutic intervention for cancer treatment

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with limited treatment options and several limitations. Chemotherapeutic agents often result in toxicity which long-term conventional treatment. Phytochemicals are natural constituents that are more effective in treating various diseases with less toxicity than the chemotherapeutic agents providing alternative therapeutic approaches to minimize the resistance. These phytoconstituents act in several ways and deliver optimum effectiveness against cancer. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of phyto-formulations in the management of cancers may be constrained due to challenges related to inadequate solubility, bioavailability, and stability. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for transforming current cancer treatment methods through the incorporation of phytochemicals into nanosystems, which possess a range of advantageous characteristics such as biocompatibility, targeted and sustained release capabilities, and enhanced protective effects. This holds significant potential for future advancements in cancer management. Herein, this review aims to provide intensive literature on diverse nanocarriers, highlighting their applications as cargos for phytocompounds in cancer. Moreover, it offers an overview of the current advancements in the respective field, emphasizing the characteristics that contribute to favourable outcomes in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Lastly, clinical development and regulatory concerns are also discussed to check on the transformation of the concept as a promising strategy for combination therapy of phytochemicals and chemotherapeutics that could lead to cancer management in the future.

Nanomaterials in tumor immunotherapy: new strategies and challenges

Tumor immunotherapy exerts its anti-tumor effects by stimulating and enhancing immune responses of the body. It has become another important modality of anti-tumor therapy with significant clinical efficacy and advantages compared to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. Although various kinds of tumor immunotherapeutic drugs have emerged, the challenges faced in the delivery of these drugs, such as poor tumor permeability and low tumor cell uptake rate, had prevented their widespread application. Recently, nanomaterials had emerged as a means for treatment of different diseases due to their targeting properties, biocompatibility and functionalities. Moreover, nanomaterials possess various characteristics that overcome the defects of traditional tumor immunotherapy, such as large drug loading capacity, precise tumor targeting and easy modification, thus leading to their wide application in tumor immunotherapy. There are two main classes of novel nanoparticles mentioned in this review: organic (polymeric nanomaterials, liposomes and lipid nanoparticles) and inorganic (non-metallic nanomaterials and metallic nanomaterials). Besides, the fabrication method for nanoparticles, Nanoemulsions, was also introduced. In summary, this review article mainly discussed the research progress of tumor immunotherapy based on nanomaterials in the past few years and offers a theoretical basis for exploring novel tumor immunotherapy strategies in the future.

Metastatic Melanoma: A Preclinical Model Standardization and Development of a Chitosan-Coated Nanoemulsion Containing Temozolomide to Treat Brain Metastasis

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Brain metastasis is the worst scenario in metastatic melanoma and the treatment options for these patients are limited. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a chemotherapy agent used to treat primary central nervous system tumors. Our objective was to develop chitosan-coated nanoemulsion containing temozolomide (CNE-TMZ) for nasal route administration to melanoma brain metastasis treatment. A preclinical model of metastatic brain melanoma was standardized, and the efficiency of the developed formulation was further determined in vitro and in vivo. The nanoemulsion was done by spontaneous emulsification method and the formulation was characterized by size, pH, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Culture assessments to determine cell viability were done in the A375 human melanoma cell line. To determine the safety of formulation, healthy C57/BL6 mice were treated with a nanoemulsion without TMZ. The model in vivo used B16-F10 cells implanted by stereotaxic surgery in C57/BL6 mice brains. The results demonstrate that the preclinical model used showed to be useful to analyze the efficiency of new candidate drugs to treat melanoma brain metastasis. The chitosan-coated nanoemulsions with TMZ showed the expected physicochemical characteristics and demonstrated safety and efficacy, reducing around 70% the tumor size compared to control mice, and presenting a tendency in mitotic index reduction, becoming an interesting approach to treat melanoma brain metastasis.

An Updated Review on the Role of Nanoformulated Phytochemicals in Colorectal Cancer

The most common cancer-related cause of death worldwide is colorectal cancer. It is initiated with the formation of polyps, which further cause the development of colorectal cancer in multistep phases. Colorectal cancer mortality is high despite recent treatment breakthroughs and a greater understanding of its pathophysiology. Stress is one of the major causes of triggering different cellular signalling cascades inside the body and which might turn toward the development of cancer. Naturally occurring plant compounds or phytochemicals are being studied for medical purposes. Phytochemicals' benefits are being analyzed for inflammatory illnesses, liver failure, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and nephropathies. Cancer treatment with fewer side effects and better outcomes has been achieved by combining phytochemicals with chemotherapy. Resveratrol, curcumin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate have been studied for their chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive potentiality, but hydrophobicity, solubility, poor bioavailability, and target selectivity limit the clinical uses of these compounds. The therapeutic potential is maximized by utilizing nanocarriers such as liposomes, micelles, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles to increase phytochemical bioavailability and target specificity. This updated literature review discusses the clinical limitations, increased sensitivity, chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects, and the clinical limitations of the phytochemicals.

Nanotechnological advancements in the brain tumor therapy: a novel approach

Nanotechnological advancements over the past few years have led to the development of newer treatment strategies in brain cancer therapy which leads to the establishment of nano oncology. Nanostructures with high specificity, are best suitable to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Their desired physicochemical properties, such as small sizes, shape, higher surface area to volume ratio, distinctive structural features, and the possibility to attach various substances on their surface transform them into potential transport carriers able to cross various cellular and tissue barriers, including the BBB. The review emphasizes nanotechnology-based treatment strategies for the exploration of brain tumors and highlights the current progress of different nanomaterials for the effective delivery of drugs for brain tumor therapy.

Insight into RNA-based Therapies for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignancies in women and is associated with poor outcomes. The treatment for OC is often associated with resistance to therapies and hence this has stimulated the search for alternative therapeutic approaches, including RNA-based therapeutics. However, this approach has some challenges that include RNA degradation. To solve this critical issue, some novel delivery systems have been proposed. In current years, there has been growing interest in the improvement of RNAbased therapeutics as a promising approach to target ovarian cancer and improve patient outcomes. This paper provides a practical insight into the use of RNA-based therapeutics in ovarian cancers, highlighting their potential benefits, challenges, and current research progress. RNA-based therapeutics offer a novel and targeted approach to treat ovarian cancer by exploiting the unique characteristics of RNA molecules. By targeting key oncogenes or genes responsible for drug resistance, siRNAs can effectively inhibit tumor growth and sensitize cancer cells to conventional therapies. Furthermore, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as a revolutionary tool in cancer immunotherapy. MRNA vaccines can be designed to encode tumor-specific antigens, stimulating the immune system to distinguish and eliminate ovarian cancer cells. A nano-based delivery platform improves the release of loaded RNAs to the target location and reduces the off-target effects. Additionally, off-target effects and immune responses triggered by RNA molecules necessitate careful design and optimization of these therapeutics. Several preclinical and clinical researches have shown promising results in the field of RNA-based therapeutics for ovarian cancer. In a preclinical study, siRNA-mediated silencing of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) gene, involved in DNA repair, sensitized ovarian cancer cells to PARP inhibitors, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy. In clinical trials, mRNA-based vaccines targeting tumor-associated antigens have demonstrated safety and efficacy in stimulating immune responses in ovarian cancer patients. In aggregate, RNA-based therapeutics represent a promising avenue for the therapy of ovarian cancers. The ability to specifically target oncogenes or stimulate immune responses against tumor cells holds great potential for improving patient outcomes. However, further research is needed to address challenges related to delivery, permanence, and off-target effects. Clinical trials assessing the care and effectiveness of RNAbased therapeutics in larger patient cohorts are warranted. With continued advancements in the field, RNAbased therapeutics have the potential to develop the management of ovarian cancer and provide new hope for patients.

Sprayable nanomicelle hydrogels and inflammatory bowel disease patient cell chips for development of intestinal lesion-specific therapy

All-in-one treatments represent a paradigm shift in future medicine. For example, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is mainly diagnosed by endoscopy, which could be applied for not only on-site monitoring but also the intestinal lesion-targeted spray of injectable hydrogels. Furthermore, molecular conjugation to the hydrogels would program both lesion-specific adhesion and drug-free therapy. This study validated this concept of all-in-one treatment by first utilizing a well-known injectable hydrogel that underwent efficient solution-to-gel transition and nanomicelle formation as a translatable component. These properties enabled spraying of the hydrogel onto the intestinal walls during endoscopy. Next, peptide conjugation to the hydrogel guided endoscopic monitoring of IBD progress upon adhesive gelation with subsequent moisturization of inflammatory lesions, specifically by nanomicelles. The peptide was designed to mimic the major component that mediates intestinal interaction with Bacillus subtilis flagellin during IBD initiation. Hence, the peptide-guided efficient adhesion of the hydrogel nanomicelles onto Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) as the main target of flagellin binding and Notch-1. The peptide binding potently suppressed inflammatory signaling without drug loading, where TLR5 and Notch-1 operated collaboratively through downstream actions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The results were produced using a human colorectal cell line, clinical IBD patient cells, gut-on-a-chip, a mouse IBD model, and pig experiments to validate the translational utility.

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Injectable nanomicelle hydrogel for all-in-one treatment of intestinal inflammation.

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Spraying of the hydrogel onto the intestinal walls during endoscopy.

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Peptide-guided detection and moisturization of inflammatory lesions.

Potential of Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Brain Targeting: A Current Review of Literature

The advent of nanotechnologies such as nanocarriers and nanotherapeutics has changed the treatment strategy and developed a more efficacious novel drug delivery system. Various drug delivery systems are focused on drug-targeting of brain cells. However, the manifestation of the brain barrier is the main hurdle for the effective delivery of chemotherapeutics, ultimately causing treatment failure of various drugs. To solve this problem, various nanocarrier-based drug delivery system has been developed for brain targeting. This review outlines nanocarrier-based composites for different brain diseases and highlights nanocarriers for drug targeting towards brain cells. It also summarizes the latest developments in nanocarrier-based delivery systems containing liposomal systems, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, polymeric nanocarriers, quantum dots (QDs), and gold nanoparticles. Besides, the optimal properties of nanocarriers and therapeutic implications for brain targeting have been extensively studied. Finally, the potential applications and research opportunities for nanocarriers in brain targeting are discussed.

Engineered EV-Mimetic Nanoparticles as Therapeutic Delivery Vehicles for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

In this review, we begin with the role of natural extracellular vesicles (EVs) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Then, we narrow our focus on the advantages of using EV-mimetic nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for RNAi therapy and other chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges of the clinical translation of engineering EV mimetic drug delivery systems and the promising directions of further development.

Abstract

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy among women. Several obstacles impede the early diagnosis and effective treatment options for ovarian cancer (OC) patients, which most importantly include the development of platinum-drug-resistant strains. Currently, extensive efforts are being put into the development of strategies capable of effectively circumventing the physical and biological barriers present in the peritoneal cavity of metastatic OC patients, representing a late stage of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancer with an extremely poor prognosis. Naturally occurring extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to play a pivotal role in progression of OC and are now being harnessed as a delivery vehicle for cancer chemotherapeutics. However, there are limitations to their clinical application due to current challenges in their preparation techniques. Intriguingly, there is a recent drive towards the use of engineered synthetic EVs for the delivery of chemotherapeutics and RNA interference therapy (RNAi), as they show the promise of overcoming the obstacles in the treatment of OC patients. This review discusses the therapeutic application of EVs in OC and elucidates the potential use of engineered EV-mimetic nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for RNAi therapy and other chemotherapeutics, which would potentially improve clinical outcomes of OC patients.

Hypoxia-induced HIF1α dependent COX2 promotes ovarian cancer progress

Hypoxia can promote the progression and metastasis of ovarian cancer, while the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Hypoxia culture or CoCl2 induced-oxygen deprivation condition could promote SKOV3 cells to express cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). Luciferase assay indicates that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) could bind directly with the promoter region of COX2 to promote the transcription. COX2 over-expressed SKOV3 cells show up-regulated stemness-related markers expression, proinflammatory gene expression, and increased tumor sphere formation. The inflammatory molecules (interleukin-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, interleukin-1B, interleukin-10, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) and COX2 expression show positive correlations in the Cancer Genome Atlas data. COX2 over-expression could promote SKOV3 cell proliferation in the subcutaneous tumor model and metastasis in the transfer model. In conclusion, hypoxia-induced HIF-1α mediated COX2 expression could promote the proliferation, inflammation, and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Encapsulation of ε-Viniferin into Multi-Lamellar Liposomes: Development of a Rapid, Easy and Cost-Efficient Separation Method to Determine the Encapsulation Efficiency

Onion-type multi-lamellar liposomes (MLLs), composed of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80, were analyzed for their ability to encapsulate ε-Viniferin (εVin), a resveratrol dimer. Their encapsulation efficiency (EE) was measured by UV-VIS spectroscopy using three different separation methods—ultracentrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, and a more original and advantageous one, based on adsorption filtration. The adsorption filtration method consists indeed of using syringe filters to retain the molecule of interest, and not the liposomes as usually performed. The process is rapid (less than 10 min), easy to handle, and inexpensive in terms of sample amount (around 2 mg of liposomes) and equipment (one syringe filter is required). Whatever the separation method, a similar EE value was determined, validating the proposed method. A total of 80% ± 4% of εVin was found to be encapsulated leading to a 6.1% payload, roughly twice those reported for resveratrol-loaded liposomes. Finally, the release kinetics of εVin from MLLs was followed for a 77 day period, demonstrating a slow release of the polyphenol.

Nanotechnology in ovarian cancer: Diagnosis and treatment

To overcome the drawbacks of conventional delivery, this review spotlights a number of nanoscale drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, liposomes, nano micelles, branched dendrimers, nanocapsules, and nanostructured lipid formulations for the targeted therapy of ovarian cancer. These nanoformulations offer numerous advantages to promote therapeutic drug delivery such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, good biodegradability, increased therapeutic impact than free drugs, and non-inflammatory effects. Importantly, the development of specific ligands functionalized nanoformulations enable preferential targeting of ovarian tumors and eventually amplify the therapeutic potential compared to nonfunctionalized counterparts. Ovarian cancer is typically identified by biomarker assessment such as CA125, HE4, Mucin 1, and prostatic. There is, nevertheless, a tremendous demand for less costly, faster, and compact medical tools, both for timely detection and ovarian cancer control. This paper explored multiple types of tumor marker-based on nanomaterial biosensors. Initially, we mention different forms of ovarian cancer biomarkers involving CA125, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), mucin 1 (MUC1), and prostate. It is accompanied by a brief description of new nanotechnology methods for diagnosis. Nanobiosensors for evaluating ovarian cancer biomarkers can be categorized based on electrochemical, optical, paper-based, giant magnetoresistive, and lab-on-a-chip devices.

Nanomaterials for Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Cancer: Recent Updates

Brain tumors, especially glioblastoma, remain the most aggressive form of all the cancers because of inefficient diagnosis and profiling. Nanostructures, such as metallic nanostructures, silica nano-vehicles, quantum dots, lipid nanoparticles (NPs) and polymeric NPs, with high specificity have made it possible to permeate the blood–brain barrier (BBB). NPs possess optical, magnetic and photodynamic properties that can be exploited by surface modification, bio composition, contrast agents’ encapsulation and coating by tumor-derived cells. Hence, nanotechnology has brought on a revolution in the field of diagnosis and imaging of brain tumors and cancers. Recently, nanomaterials with biomimetic functions have been introduced to efficiently cross the BBB to be engulfed by deep skin tumors and cancer malignancies for imaging. The review focuses on nanotechnology-based diagnostic and imaging approaches for exploration in brain tumors and cancers. Moreover, the review also summarizes a few strategies to image glioblastoma and cancers by multimodal functional nanocomposites for more precise and accurate clinical diagnosis. Their unique physicochemical attributes, including nanoscale sizes, larger surface area, explicit structural features and ability to encapsulate diverse molecules on their surface, render nanostructured materials as excellent nano-vehicles to cross the blood–brain barrier and convey drug molecules to their target region. This review sheds light on the current progress of various kinds of nanomaterials, such as liposomes, nano-micelles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots and NPs (gold, silver and zinc oxide NPs), for efficient drug delivery in the treatment and diagnosis of brain cancer.

Cancer Nanomedicine

This Special Issue on Cancer Nanomedicine within Cancers brings together 46 cutting-edge papers covering research within the field along with insightful reviews and opinions reflecting our community [...].