Nanotechnology for colorectal cancer detection and treatment

Unveiling Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers: Harnessing Biosensor Technology for Volatile Organic Compound Detection

Conventional screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection are mainly direct visualization and invasive methods including colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, which must be performed in a clinical setting and may be linked to adverse effects for some patients. Non-invasive CRC diagnostic tests such as computed tomography colonography and stool tests are either too costly or less reliable than invasive ones. On the other hand, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are potentially ideal non-invasive biomarkers for CRC detection and monitoring. The present review is a comprehensive presentation of the current state-of-the-art VOC-based CRC diagnostics, with a specific focus on recent advancements in biosensor design and application. Among them, breath-based chromatography pattern analysis and sampling techniques are overviewed, along with nanoparticle-based optical and electrochemical biosensor approaches. Limitations of the currently available technologies are also discussed with an outlook for improvement in combination with big data analytics and advanced instrumentation, as well as expanding the scope and specificity of CRC-related volatile biomarkers.

Recent Insights into Nanotechnology in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cancer among the known causes of cancer that impact people. Although CRC drug options are imperfect, primary detection of CRC can play a key role in treating the disease and reducing mortality. Cancer tissues show many molecular markers that can be used as a new way to advance therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology includes a wide range of nanomaterials with high diagnostic and therapeutic power. Several nanomaterials and nanoformulations can be used to treat cancer, especially CRC. In this review, we discuss recent insights into nanotechnology in colorectal cancer.

Innovative microwave-assisted biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles loaded with platinum(ii) based complex for halting colon cancer: cellular, molecular, and computational investigations

In the current study, we biosynthesized copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs) utilizing the essential oils extracted from Boswellia carterii oleogum resin, which served as a bioreductant and capping agent with the help of microwave energy. Afterwards, the platinum(ii) based anticancer drug, carboplatin (Cr), was loaded onto the CuO NPs, exploiting the electrostatic interactions forming Cr@CuO NPs. The produced biogenic NPs were then characterized using zeta potential (ZP), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. In addition, the entrapment efficiency and release profile of the loaded Cr were evaluated. Thereafter, SRB assay was performed, where Cr@CuO NPs demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cells (HCT-116) with an IC50 of 5.17 μg mL-1, which was about 1.6 and 2.2 folds more than that of Cr and CuO NPs. Moreover, the greenly synthesized nanoparticles (Cr@CuO NPs) displayed a satisfactory selectivity index (SI = 6.82), which was far better than the free Cr treatment (SI = 2.23). Regarding the apoptosis assay, the advent of Cr@CuO NPs resulted in an immense increase in the cellular population percentage of HCT-116 cells undergoing both early (16.02%) and late apoptosis (35.66%), significantly surpassing free Cr and CuO NPs. A study of HCT-116 cell cycle kinetics revealed the powerful ability of Cr@CuO NPs to trap cells in the Sub-G1 and G2 phases and impede the G2/M transition. RT-qPCR was utilized for molecular investigations of the pro-apoptotic (Bax and p53) and antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2). The novel Cr@CuO NPs treatment rose above single Cr or CuO NPs therapy in stimulating the p53-Bax mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. The cellular and molecular biology investigations presented substantial proof of the potentiated anticancer activity of Cr@CuO NPs and the extra benefits that could be obtained from their use.

Deciphering treatment resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer: roles of drug transports, EGFR mutations, and HGF/c-MET signaling

In 2023, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. At the time of the initial visit, 20% of patients diagnosed with CRC have metastatic CRC (mCRC), and another 25% who present with localized disease will later develop metastases. Despite the improvement in response rates with various modulation strategies such as chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, the prognosis of mCRC is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 14%, and the primary reason for treatment failure is believed to be the development of resistance to therapies. Herein, we provide an overview of the main mechanisms of resistance in mCRC and specifically highlight the role of drug transports, EGFR, and HGF/c-MET signaling pathway in mediating mCRC resistance, as well as discuss recent therapeutic approaches to reverse resistance caused by drug transports and resistance to anti-EGFR blockade caused by mutations in EGFR and alteration in HGF/c-MET signaling pathway.

SiRNF8 Delivered by DNA Framework Nucleic Acid Effectively Sensitizes Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer

Background

The evident side effects and decreased drug sensitivity significantly restrict the use of chemotherapy. However, nanoparticles based on biomaterials are anticipated to address this challenge.

Methods

Through bioinformatics analysis and colon cancer samples, we initially investigated the expression level of RNF8 in colon cancer. Next, we constructed nanocarrier for delivering siRNF8 based on DNA tetrahedron (si-Tet), and Doxorubicin (DOX) was further intercalated into the DNA structure (si-DOX-Tet) for combination therapy. Further, the effects and mechanism of RNF8 inhibition on the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to DOX chemotherapy have also been studied.

Results

RNF8 expression was increased in colon cancer. Agarose gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, and size distribution and potential analysis confirmed the successful preparation of the two nanoparticles, with particle sizes of 10.29 and 37.29 nm, respectively. Fluorescence imaging reveals that the carriers can be internalized into colon cancer cells and escape from lysosomes after 12 hours of treatment, effectively delivering siRNF8 and DOX. Importantly, Western blot analysis verified treatment with 50nM si-Tet silenced RNF8 expression by approximately 50% in colon cancer cells, and combined treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation. Furthermore, the CCK-8 assay demonstrated that si-Tet treatment enhanced the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to the three chemotherapeutic drugs. Significant more DNA damage was detected after treatment with both si-Tet or si-DOX-Tet. Further flow cytometry analysis revealed that si-DOX-Tet treatment led to significantly more apoptosis, approximately 1.6-fold higher than treatment with DOX alone. Mechanistically, inhibiting RNF8 led to decreased ABCG2 expression and DOX efflux, but increased DNA damage, thereby enhancing the chemotherapeutic effect of DOX.

Conclusion

We have successfully constructed si-DOX-Tet. By inhibiting the expression of RNF8, it enhances the chemotherapy sensitivity of DOX. Therefore, this tetrahedral FNA nanocarrier offers a new approach for the combined treatment of colon cancer.

B7-H3 regulates anti-tumor immunity and promotes tumor development in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become a milestone in many cancer treatments with significant curative effects. However, its therapeutic effect on colorectal cancer is still limited. B7-H3 is a novel immune checkpoint molecule of the B7/CD28 family and is overexpressed in a variety of solid tumors including colorectal cancer. B7-H3 was considered as a costimulatory molecule that promotes anti-tumor immunity. However, more and more studies support that B7-H3 is a co-inhibitory molecule and plays an important immunosuppressive role in colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, B7-H3 promoted metabolic reprogramming, invasion and metastasis, and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Therapies targeting B7-H3, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugations, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, have great potential to improve the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Potential of Nanomedicines as an Alternative for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer - A Review

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second in cases of cancer-related death. Polytherapy generates many adverse effects, leading the patient to give up. Nanotechnology has been studied in recent years to circumvent limitations. Groups composed of polymeric, lipid, and inorganic nanoparticles are the most purpose. Thus, the objective of this work is to bring information on how nanosystems can improve the chemotherapeutic treatment for colorectal cancer. Therefore, a search in journals such as "LILACS", "SciELO" and "PubMed/Medline" was performed, resulting in 25,000 articles found when applied the search engines "nanoparticle," "colorectal cancer," "malignant neoplasms," and "chemotherapy." After inclusion and exclusion factors, 24 articles remained, which were used as the basis for this integrative review. The results reveal that, regardless of the choice of matrix, nanoparticles showed an increase in bioavailability of the active, increasing the half-life by up to 13 times, modified release, as well as a significant reduction in tumor size, with cell viability up to 20% lower than the free drug tested, in different colorectal cancer cell lines, such as HCT-116, HT-29, and CaCo-2. However, more in vivo and clinical studies need to be performed, regardless of the formulation of its matrix, aiming at a higher rate of safety for patients and stability of the formulations, as well as knowledge of detailed indices of its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, seeking to avoid further damage to the recipient organism.

Current Status and Emerging Trends in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnostics

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent and potentially fatal disease categorized based on its high incidences and mortality rates, which raised the need for effective diagnostic strategies for the early detection and management of CRC. While there are several conventional cancer diagnostics available, they have certain limitations that hinder their effectiveness. Significant research efforts are currently being dedicated to elucidating novel methodologies that aim at comprehending the intricate molecular mechanism that underlies CRC. Recently, microfluidic diagnostics have emerged as a pivotal solution, offering non-invasive approaches to real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Microfluidic devices enable the integration of multiple sample preparation steps into a single platform, which speeds up processing and improves sensitivity. Such advancements in diagnostic technologies hold immense promise for revolutionizing the field of CRC diagnosis and enabling efficient detection and monitoring strategies. This article elucidates several of the latest developments in microfluidic technology for CRC diagnostics. In addition to the advancements in microfluidic technology for CRC diagnostics, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for further enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Advancements in microfluidic systems and AI-driven approaches can revolutionize colorectal cancer diagnostics, offering accurate, efficient, and personalized strategies to improve patient outcomes and transform cancer management.

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials as Drug Delivery Agents for Colorectal Cancer: Clinical Preface to Colorectal Cancer Citing Their Markers and Existing Theranostic Approaches

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the universally established cancers with a higher incidence rate. Novel progression toward cancer prevention and cancer care among countries in transition should be considered seriously for controlling CRC. Hence, several cutting edge technologies are ongoing for high performance cancer therapeutics over the past few decades. Several drug-delivery systems of the nanoregime are relatively new in this arena compared to the previous treatment modes such as chemo- or radiotherapy to mitigate cancer. Based on this background, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment possibilities, and theragnostic markers for CRC were revealed. Since the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the management of CRC has been less studied, the present review analyzes the preclinical studies on the application of carbon nanotubes for drug delivery and CRC therapy owing to their inherent properties. It also investigates the toxicity of CNTs on normal cells for safety testing and the clinical use of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) for tumor localization. To conclude, this review recommends the clinical application of carbon-based nanomaterials further for the management of CRC in diagnosis and as carriers or therapeutic adjuvants.