Novel nanotechnology approaches to diagnosis and therapy of ovarian cancer

Objective

Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies, which is a direct outcome of missing its diagnosis at an early stage. Approximately 75% of ovarian cancer patients are initially diagnosed with disseminated intra-abdominal disease (stages III-IV) when ~ 30% of patients have a 5-year survival rate. In addition to the challenge of early detection of ovarian cancer, its therapy presents several challenges including the route of therapy, resistance to therapy with recurrence of cancer, and specific targeting of ovarian cancer to reduce cytotoxic side effects.

Methods

We reviewed recent literature employing nanotechnology approaches to diagnosis and therapy of ovarian cancer.

Results

Recent innovations in nanotechnology with applications in cancer diagnostics and therapy help circumvent many pre-existing problems with conventional chemotherapy and present new ways of diagnosis and therapy.

Conclusions

Nanotechnology has promising potential in enhancing early detection of ovarian cancer and treatment of recurrent disease.     

Molecular imaging for personalized cancer care

Molecular imaging is rapidly gaining recognition as a tool with the capacity to improve every facet of cancer care. Molecular imaging in oncology can be defined as in vivo characterization and measurement of the key biomolecules and molecularly based events that are fundamental to the malignant state. This article outlines the basic principles of molecular imaging as applied in oncology with both established and emerging techniques. It provides examples of the advantages that current molecular imaging techniques offer for improving clinical cancer care as well as drug development. It also discusses the importance of molecular imaging for the emerging field of theranostics and offers a vision of how molecular imaging may one day be integrated with other diagnostic techniques to dramatically increase the efficiency and effectiveness of cancer care.     

The preparation and characteristics of sterically stabilized liposomes containing paclitaxel and super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Theranostics, combining therapy and diagnosis, is an appealing approach for chemotherapy. In the present study, we selected paclitaxel (PTX) as a therapeutic agent, super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) as a diagnostic agent and sterically stabilized liposomes as a carrier to prepare theranostic liposomes. The SPIO were prepared and characterized. Moreover, the sterically stabilized liposomes containing PTX and SPIO (PTX/SPIO-SSL) were prepared. The characteristics of PTX/SPIO-SSL were investigated. The results indicated that prepared SPIO exhibited super-paramagnetic and could be used for MRI. The average particle size of PTX/SPIO-SSL was about 170 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) less than 0.3. The zeta potential of PTX/SPIO-SSL was negative. The PTX entrapment efficiency of PTX/SPIO-SSL was more than 98%. The TEM results indicated the spherical structure and dense SPIO content in PTX/SPIO-SSL. The in vitro release of PTX from PTX/SPIO-SSL and PTX-SSL was almost identical at both pH 6.8 and 7.4. In conclusion, the PTX/SPIO-SSL were prepared and characterized in vitro. The anti-tumor and diagnostic activity of PTX/SPIO-SSL should be investigated deeply in future study.     

Nanotechnological approaches for targeting amyloid-β aggregation with potential for neurodegenerative disease therapy and diagnosis

Neurodegenerative disorders can arise as a result of amyloid-β production and misfolding of its protein. The complex anatomy of the brain and the unresolved mechanics of the central nervous system hinder drug delivery; the brain is sheathed in a highly protective blood–brain barrier, a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that restrict the entry of certain substances into the brain. Nanotechnology has achieved success in delivery to the brain, with preclinical assessments showing an acceptable concentration of active drugs in the therapeutic range, and nanoparticles can be fabricated to inhibit amyloid and enhance the delivery of the therapeutic molecule. This review focuses on the interactions of nanoparticles with amyloid-β aggregates and provides an assessment of their theranostic potential.     

Nanoparticle theranostics in cardiovascular inflammation

Theranostics, literally derived from the combination of the words diagnostics and therapy, is an emerging field of clinical and preclinical research, where contrast agents, drugs and diagnostic techniques are combined to simultaneously diagnose and treat pathologies. Nanoparticles are extensively employed in theranostics due to their potential to target specific organs and their multifunctional capacity. In this review, we will discuss the current state of theranostic nanomedicine, providing key examples of its application in the imaging and treatment of cardiovascular inflammation.     

Use of Lipiodol as a drug-delivery system for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: A review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major public health problem. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recognized as the standard of care for patients with unresectable, asymptomatic, noninvasive and multinodular HCC. This procedure is based on percutaneous administration of a cytotoxic drug emulsified with Lipiodol followed by embolization of the tumour-feeding arteries. The standard procedure involves Lipiodol, an oily contrast medium which consists of a mixture of long-chain di-iodinated ethyl esters of poppy seed fatty acids. The aim of this review is to discuss the physical properties, tumour uptake behaviour and drug delivery effects of Lipiodol, the parameters influencing tumour uptake and future prospects.Lipiodol has a unique place in TACE as it combines three specific characteristics: drug delivery, transient and plastic embolization and radiopacity properties. Substantial heterogeneity in the physicochemical characteristics of Lipiodol/cytotoxic agent emulsions might reduce the efficacy of this procedure and justifies the current interest in Lipiodol for drug delivery.