Lung Cancer Targeted Chemoradiotherapy via Dual-Stimuli Responsive Biodegradable Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Pharmaceutical Nanoplatforms Based on Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems for Optimal Transport and Co-delivery of siRNAs and Anticancer Drugs

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have the ability to induce selective gene silencing, although siRNAs are vulnerable to degradation in vivo. Various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are currently used as effective therapeutics in the treatment of cancer. However, routes of administration are limited due to their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. This research aimed to develop oral pharmaceutical formulations based on self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for optimal transport and co-delivery of siRNAs related to cancer and APIs. Formulations were developed using optimal mixing design (Design-Expert 11 software) for SNEDDS loading with siRNA (water/oil emulsion), API (oil/water emulsion), and siRNA-API (multiphase water/oil/water emulsion). The final formulations were characterized physicochemically and biologically. The nanosystems less than 50 nm in size had a drug loading above 48 %. The highest drug release occurred at intestinal pH, allowing drug protection in physiological fluids. SNEDDS-siRNA-APIs showed a twofold toxicity effect than APIs in solution and higher transfection and internalization of siRNA in cancer cells with respect to free siRNAs. In the duodenum, higher permeability was observed with SNEDDS-API than with the API solution, as determined by ex-vivo fluorescence microscopy. The multifunctional formulation based on SNEDDS was successfully prepared, siRNA, hydrophobic chemotherapeutics (doxorubicin, valrubicin and methotrexate) and photosensitizers (rhodamine b and protoporphyrin IX) agents were loaded, using a chitosan-RNA core, and Labrafil® M 1944 CS, Cremophor® RH40, phosphatidylcholine shell, forming stable hybrid SNEDDS as multiphasic emulsion, suitable as co-delivery system with a potent anticancer activity.

Application of nano-radiosensitizers in non-small cell lung cancer

Radiotherapy stands as a cornerstone in the treatment of numerous malignant tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer. However, the critical challenge of amplifying the tumoricidal effectiveness of radiotherapy while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues remains an area of significant research interest. Radiosensitizers, by methods such as amplifying DNA damage and fostering the creation of free radicals, play a pivotal role in enhancing the destructive impact of radiotherapy on tumors. Over recent decades, nano-dimensional radiosensitizers have emerged as a notable advancement. Their mechanisms include cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, combating tumor hypoxia, and others, thereby enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy. This review delves into the evolving landscape of nanomaterials used for radiosensitization in non-small cell lung cancer. It provides insights into the current research progress and critically examines the challenges and future prospects within this burgeoning field.

Advances and challenges in the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer accounts for a relatively high proportion of malignant tumors. As the most prevalent type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Presently, the arsenal of treatment strategies encompasses surgical resection, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. However, despite these options, the prognosis remains distressingly poor with a low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, it is urgent to pursue a paradigm shift in treatment methodologies. In recent years, the advent of sophisticated biotechnologies and interdisciplinary integration has provided innovative approaches for the treatment of lung cancer. This article reviews the cutting-edge developments in the nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted treatment system, photothermal treatment strategy, and immunotherapy for lung cancer. Overall, by systematically summarizing and critically analyzing the latest progress and current challenges in these treatment strategies of lung cancer, we aim to provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel drugs for lung cancer treatment, and thus improve the therapeutic outcomes for lung cancer patients.

Hyaluronic acid-empowered nanotheranostics in breast and lung cancers therapy

Nanomedicine application in cancer therapy is an urgency because of inability of current biological therapies for complete removal of tumor cells. The development of smart and novel nanoplatforms for treatment of cancer can provide new insight in tumor suppression. Hyaluronic acid is a biopolymer that can be employed for synthesis of smart nanostructures capable of selective targeting CD44-overexpressing tumor cells. The breast and lung cancers are among the most malignant and common tumors in both females and males that environmental factors, lifestyle and genomic alterations are among the risk factors for their pathogenesis and development. Since etiology of breast and lung tumors is not certain and multiple factors participate in their development, preventative measures have not been completely successful and studies have focused on developing new treatment strategies for them. The aim of current review is to provide a comprehensive discussion about application of hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures for treatment of breast and lung cancers. The main reason of using hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles is their ability in targeting breast and lung cancers in a selective way due to upregulation of CD44 receptor on their surface. Moreover, nanocarriers developed from hyaluronic acid or functionalized with hyaluronic acid have high biocompatibility and their safety is appreciated. The drugs and genes used for treatment of breast and lung cancers lack specific accumulation at cancer site and their cytotoxicity is low, but hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures provide their targeted delivery to tumor site and by increasing internalization of drugs and genes in breast and lung tumor cells, they improve their therapeutic index. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures can be used for phototherapy-mediated breast and lung cancers ablation. The stimuli-responsive and smart kinds of hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures such as pH- and light-responsive can increase selective targeting of breast and lung cancers.

Drug Delivery Approaches to Improve Tendon Healing

Tendon injuries disrupt the transmission of forces from muscle to bone, leading to chronic pain, disability, and a large socioeconomic burden. Tendon injuries are prevalent; there are over 300,000 tendon repair procedures a year in the United States to address acute trauma or chronic tendinopathy. Successful restoration of function after tendon injury remains challenging clinically. Despite improvements in surgical and physical therapy techniques, the high complication rate of tendon repair procedures motivates the use of therapeutic interventions to augment healing. While many biological and tissue engineering approaches have attempted to promote scarless tendon healing, there is currently no standard clinical treatment to improve tendon healing. Moreover, the limited efficacy of systemic delivery of several promising therapeutic candidates highlights the need for tendon-specific drug delivery approaches to facilitate translation. This review article will synthesize the current state-of-the-art methods that have been used for tendon-targeted delivery through both systemic and local treatments, highlight emerging technologies used for tissue-specific drug delivery in other tissue systems, and outline future challenges and opportunities to enhance tendon healing through targeted drug delivery.

Potential Applications of Nanoparticles in Improving the Outcome of Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer is managed using conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. Each of these therapies has its own limitations, such as the indiscriminate killing of normal as well as cancer cells, the solubility of the chemotherapeutic drugs, rapid clearance of the drugs from circulation before reaching the tumor site, the resistance of cancer cells to radiation, and over-sensitization of normal cells to radiation. Other treatment modalities include gene therapy, immunological checkpoint inhibitors, drug repurposing, and in situ cryo-immune engineering (ICIE) strategy. Nanotechnology has come to the rescue to overcome many shortfalls of conventional therapies. Some of the nano-formulated chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as nanoparticles and nanostructures with surface modifications, have been used for effective cancer cell killing and radio sensitization, respectively. Nano-enabled drug delivery systems act as cargo to deliver the sensitizer molecules specifically to the tumor cells, thereby enabling the radiation therapy to be more effective. In this review, we have discussed the different conventional chemotherapies and radiation therapies used for inhibiting lung cancer. We have also discussed the improvement in chemotherapy and radiation sensitization using nanoparticles.

May EPH/Ephrin Targeting Revolutionize Lung Cancer Treatment?

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) comprise the largest receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family in mammals. EPHs along with their ligands, EPH-family receptor-interacting proteins (ephrins), have been found to be either up- or downregulated in LC cells, hence exhibiting a defining role in LC carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In their capacity as membrane-bound molecules, EPHs/ephrins may represent feasible targets in the context of precision cancer treatment. In order to investigate available therapeutics targeting the EPH/ephrin system in LC, a literature review was conducted, using the MEDLINE, LIVIVO, and Google Scholar databases. EPHA2 is the most well-studied EPH/ephrin target in LC treatment. The targeting of EPHA2, EPHA3, EPHA5, EPHA7, EPHB4, EPHB6, ephrin-A1, ephrin-A2, ephrin-B2, and ephrin-B3 in LC cells or xenograft models not only directly correlates with a profound LC suppression but also enriches the effects of well-established therapeutic regimens. However, the sole clinical trial incorporating a NSCLC patient could not describe objective anti-cancer effects after anti-EPHA2 antibody administration. Collectively, EPHs/ephrins seem to represent promising treatment targets in LC. However, large clinical trials still need to be performed, with a view to examining the effects of EPH/ephrin targeting in the clinical setting.