Dermal delivery of doxorubicin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of skin cancer

Objective: Dermal delivery of Doxorubicin (Dox) would be an ideal way in maximising drug efficiency against skin cancer accompanying with minimising side effects. We investigated the potential of Dox-loaded Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for topical delivery against skin cancer.

Methods: In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of optimised formulation were evaluated on murine melanoma (B16F10) cells by MTT assay and melanoma induced Balb/C mice, respectively. Animal study followed by histological analysis.

Results: Optimised formulation showed mean particle size and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 92?nm and 86% w/w (0.86% w/w value of encapsulated Dox in the lipid matrix), respectively. FTIR experiment confirmed drug–lipid interaction interpreting the observed high EE value for Dox. In vitro and in vivo results indicated the superiority of cytotoxic performance of Dox-loaded SLN compared to Dox solution.

Conclusion: Our findings may open the possibilities for the topical delivery of Dox to the skin cancerous tissues.     

Polydopamine and peptide decorated doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a targeted drug delivery system for bladder cancer therapy

We reported a simple polydopamine (PDA)-based surface modification method to prepare novel targeted doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles and peptide CSNRDARRC conjugation (DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP) for enhancing the therapeutic effects on bladder cancer. Drug-loaded NPs were characterized in terms of size, size distribution, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and drug loading content. In vitro drug release indicated that DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA and MSNs@PDA-PEP had similar release kinetic profiles of DOX. The PDA coating well controlled DOX release and was highly sensitive to pH value. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that drug-loaded MSNs could be internalized by human bladder cancer cell line HT-1376, and DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP had the highest cellular uptake efficiency due to ligand–receptor recognition. The antitumor effects of DOX-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated by the MTT assay in vitro and by a xenograft tumor model in vivo, demonstrating that targeted nanocarriers DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP were significantly superior to free DOX and DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA. The novel DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP, which specifically recognized HT-1376 cells, can be used as a potential targeted drug delivery system for bladder cancer therapy.     

Dual ligands modified double targeted nano-system for liver targeted gene delivery

Abstract

Context: It is now well established that the surface of nanocarriers with specific ligands defines a new biological identity, which assist in targeting and internalization of the nanocarriers to specific cell populations, such as cancers and disease organs.

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop systemically administrable dual ligands modified nano-system which could both target cancer cells and macrophages in the liver.

Methods: Transferrin (Tf) and mannan (M) were linked onto polyethylene glycol-phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE) and PE separately to get transferrin-PEG-PE (T-PEG-PE) and mannan-PE (M-PE) ligands for the surface modification of carriers. The in vivo transfection efficiency of the novel dual ligands modified (D-modified) vectors were evaluated in tumor bearing animal models.

Results: D-modified solid lipid nanoparticles/enhanced green fluorescence protein plasmid (D-SLN/pEGFP) has a particle size of 198?nm and a gene loading quantity of 89%. D-SLN/pEGFP displayed over 25% higher transfection efficiency than M-PE modified SLN/pEGFP (M-SLN/pEGFP) in HepG2 cells and T-PEG-PE modified SLN/pEGFP (T-SLN/pEGFP) in Kupffer cells (KCs) isolated from mice.

Conclusion: It could be concluded that T-PEG-PE and M-PE could function as excellent active targeting ligands to improve the cell targeting ability of the carriers and the dual ligands modified vectors could be applied as a promising active targeting gene delivery system.     

Promising molecular targeted therapies in breast cancer

In recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the understanding of molecular events and critical pathways involved in breast cancer. This has led to the identification of novel targets and development of anticancer therapies referred to as targeted therapy. Targeted therapy has high specificity for the molecules involved in key molecular events that are responsible for cancer phenotype such as cell growth, survival, migration, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, and angiogenesis. Targeted agents that have been approved for breast cancer include trastuzumab and lapatinib, directed against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and bevacizumab, directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Several other targeted agents currently under evaluation in preclinical and clinical trials include inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), dual EGFR and HER2 inhibitors, VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors, and agents that interfere with crucial signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK; agents against other tyrosine kinases such as Src, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF-receptor (IGFR); agents that promote apoptosis such as Poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors; agents that target invasion and metastasis such as matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors and others. In this review, we highlight the most promising targeted agents and their combination with mainstream chemotherapeutic drugs in clinical trials.     

乳腺癌靶向治疗的新策略

目前,乳腺癌的常规治疗手段如化疗、放疗等存在严重的全身副作用,为此,开展乳腺癌的靶向治疗研究具有重大意义。本文综述了乳腺癌靶向治疗的3个研究领域:抗体介导的靶向、微载体介导的靶向、乳腺癌干细胞靶向,并阐述这些治疗策略的基本研究思路,分析这些新的治疗策略面临的一些问题,从而提出解决这些问题的相关见解。     

非小细胞肺癌化疗及分子靶向治疗药物的研究进展

非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)在全世界范围的发病率逐年上升,对人类健康造成严重威胁。经过多年努力,NSCLC的治疗效果明显提高。本文就近年来NSCLC化疗及分子靶向治疗等方面的研究进展加以综述。     

Recent advances in the medical management of breast cancer: highlights from the 29th San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference

The 29th edition of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium was attended by a total of > 8000 basic scientists, translational researchers, clinical investigators and physicians gathering from ~ 80 countries worldwide. This is the largest meeting focusing on breast cancer, encompassing a wide array of topics from prevention, aetiology and diagnosis to molecular biology and treatment. From the main presentations at the meeting, it seems clear that combined efforts at prevention and treatment of this disease have translated into small, but significant, achievements. Much of the research in the area is focused on improving the therapeutic ratio of available treatments by better selection of patients.     

三阴性乳腺癌靶向治疗研究进展

三阴性乳腺癌（TNBC）作为乳腺癌一种预后较差的亚型,在出现化疗药物抵抗的情况下,由于缺少其他有效治疗方法,疾病往往易快速复发转移。因此针对TNBC新治疗靶点及靶向药物的研究已成为目前国内外研究热点。本文主要针对目前TNBC靶向治疗研究进展进行总结分析,主要包括ADP合同聚合酶抑制剂、抗血管生成靶向药物、抗表皮生长因子受体信号通路靶向药物、雄激素受体拮抗剂、免疫检查点抑制剂、PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路抑制剂等,以期从中找出最有可能成为未来发展方向的靶向治疗方法。     

Development of a bone targeted thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin formulation based on a bisphosphonate modified non-ionic surfactant

Bone is among the most common sites of metastasis in cancer patients, so it is an urgent need to develop drug delivery systems targeting tumor bone metastasis with the feature of controlled release. This study aimed to delivery of thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin to bone for tumor metastasis treatment. First, Brij78 (polyoxyethylene stearyl ether) was conjugated with Pamidronate (Pa). By incorporating Pa-Brij78 to DPPC/Chol liposomes, we developed Pa surface functionalized liposomes. The Pa-Brij78/DPPC/Chol liposomes (PB-liposomes) exhibited a stronger binding affinity to hydroxyapatite (HA), a major component of bone, than Brij78/DPPC/Chol liposomes (B-liposomes). Doxorubicin (Dox) was then encapsulated in PB-liposomes and the results demonstrated complete release of Dox from PB-liposomes or the complex of HA/PB-liposomes within 10?min at 42?°C. Next, human lung cancer A549 cells were treated with the thermosensitive complex of HA/PB-liposomes/Dox to mimic tumor bone metastasis treatment through bone targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. Pre-incubation of HA/PB-liposomes/Dox with mild heat at 42?°C induced subsequent higher cytotoxicity to A549 cells than incubation of the same complex at 37?°C, suggesting more active drug release triggered by heat. In conclusion, we synthesized a novel surfactant Pa-Brij78 and it has the potential to be used for development of a bone targeted thermosensitive liposome formulation for treatment of tumor bone metastasis.     

Current trends in chemical modifications of magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

Nowadays, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been rapidly investigated and attracted worldwide attention due to their great potential as mediators of heat for treating hyperthermia and their possibility to deliver drugs at specific locations, which can thereby limit systematic effects. Cancer therapy via MNPs proposes novel properties rather than normal methods such as almost zero side effects and a high-efficiency rate of effectiveness. The key aim of targeted drug delivery is to reduce side effects of the main cancer treatment that other usual chemotherapies will attend to the body, and thus controlling the effectiveness of the drug on a specific location that tumoral tissue exist. Herein, the high potential of MNPs has been studied, and different examples of their effectiveness on drug delivery and hypothermia therapy have been provided.     

An update on the currently available and future chemotherapy for treating bone metastases in breast cancer patients

Introduction: Bone metastases in breast cancer patients are a common clinical problem. Many factors influence the treatment decision, including tumor characteristics, previous treatment and tumor burden in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Areas covered: This present review summarizes the new treatment strategies and the chemotherapeutic agents currently available in the management of metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases.

Expert opinion: Patients with bone metastases more often have hormone receptor-positive tumours. Although new treatment agents for metastatic breast cancer have been investigated, endocrine therapy is still considered as the treatment of choice for patients with bone metastases although chemotherapy still has an important place. In recent years, new chemotherapeutic agents such as etirinotecan and nab-paclitaxel have been established though there are few studies that have looked at particular types of metastases. In the last decade, therapies for bone metastasis resistant to endocrine therapy have predominantly focused on radiotherapy, surgical resection, chemotherapy, bone-targeting radiopharmaceuticals and targeted therapeutics. New targeted agents include: Src inhibitors, cathepsin K inhibitors, CXCR4 inhibitors, TGF-B blockade and integrin antagonists while drug delivery systems for chemotherapy have also been developed. These new treatment options could be future treatment options for bone metastatic disease if early promising results are confirmed by clinical trials.     

Surface-engineered smart nanocarrier-based inhalation formulations for targeted lung cancer chemotherapy: a review of current practices

Lung cancer is the second most common and lethal cancer in the world. Chemotherapy is the preferred treatment modality for lung cancer and prolongs patient survival by effective controlling of tumor growth. However, owing to the nonspecific delivery of anticancer drugs, systemic chemotherapy has limited clinical efficacy and significant systemic adverse effects. Inhalation routes, on the other hand, allow for direct delivery of drugs to the lungs in high local concentrations, enhancing their anti-tumor activity with minimum side effects. Preliminary research studies have shown that inhaled chemotherapy may be tolerated with manageable adverse effects such as bronchospasm and cough. Enhancing the anticancer drugs deposition in tumor cells and limiting their distribution to other healthy cells will therefore increase their clinical efficacy and decrease their local and systemic toxicities. Because of the controlled release and localization of tumors, nanoparticle formulations are a viable option for the delivery of chemotherapeutics to lung cancers via inhalation. The respiratory tract physiology and lung clearance mechanisms are the key barriers to the effective deposition and preservation of inhaled nanoparticle formulations in the lungs. Designing and creating smart nanoformulations to optimize lung deposition, minimize pulmonary clearance, and improve cancerous tissue targeting have been the subject of recent research studies. This review focuses on recent examples of work in this area, along with the opportunities and challenges for the pulmonary delivery of smart nanoformulations to treat lung cancers.     

Phase I clinical trial of doxorubicin and iproplatin combination chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Summary Forty-eight patients with advanced breast cancer were treated in a disease-specific phase I trial of doxorubicin and iproplatin combination chemotherapy. The doses of doxorubicin ranged between 30 and 50 mg/m₂, and the doses of iproplatin ranged between 150 and 250 mg/m₂. Myelosuppression was observed at all levels, but was dose-limiting at the highest level. In addition, nausea, diarrhea and malaise were prominent toxicities. Neither cardiac nor renal toxicity was encountered. Nine of 26 (35%) of previously untreated patients, and 5 of 22 (23%) previously treated patients demonstrated partial or complete responses. Although this combination possesses therapeutic activity, given its toxicities, further evaluation of doxorubicin in combination with iproplatin is not recommended.     

聚乙二醇多柔比星脂质体及表柔比星在乳腺癌新辅助化疗中的应用比较

目的 比较聚乙二醇多柔比星脂质体及表柔比星在乳腺癌新辅助化疗中的疗效及不良反应。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月-12月行乳腺癌AC-T或EC-T新辅助化疗的146例患者,其中应用聚乙二醇多柔比星脂质体86例,应用表柔比星60例,分析其临床病理特征、化疗效果及不良反应,并应用Logistic回归分析影响新辅助化疗疗效的因素。结果 聚乙二醇多柔比星脂质体组与表柔比星组临床病理特征一致,无统计学差异。2组新辅助化疗的疗效无统计学差异。HER-2状态是影响新辅助化疗疗效的主要因素。聚乙二醇多柔比星脂质体组的白细胞降低、消化道反应、脱发及心电图异常等不良反应较表柔比星组明显减少,而手足综合征则明显增多,具有统计学差异。结论 聚乙二醇多柔比星脂质体与传统的表柔比星在乳腺癌新辅助化疗中疗效一致。     

Bombesin related peptides/receptors and their promising therapeutic roles in cancer imaging,targeting and treatment

Introduction: Despite remarkable advances in tumor treatment, many patients still die from common tumors (breast, prostate, lung, CNS, colon, and pancreas), and thus, new approaches are needed. Many of these tumors synthesize bombesin (Bn)-related peptides and over-express their receptors (BnRs), hence functioning as autocrine-growth-factors. Recent studies support the conclusion that Bn-peptides/BnRs are well-positioned for numerous novel antitumor treatments, including interrupting autocrine-growth and the use of over-expressed receptors for imaging and targeting cytotoxic-compounds, either by direct-coupling or combined with nanoparticle-technology.

Areas covered: The unique ability of common neoplasms to synthesize, secrete, and show a growth/proliferative/differentiating response due to BnR over-expression, is reviewed, both in general and with regard to the most frequently investigated neoplasms (breast, prostate, lung, and CNS). Particular attention is paid to advances in the recent years. Also considered are the possible therapeutic approaches to the growth/differentiation effect of Bn-peptides, as well as the therapeutic implication of the frequent BnR over-expression for tumor-imaging and/or targeted-delivery.

Expert opinion: Given that Bn-related-peptides/BnRs are so frequently ectopically-expressed by common tumors, which are often malignant and become refractory to conventional treatments, therapeutic interventions using novel approaches to Bn-peptides and receptors are being explored. Of particular interest is the potential of reproducing with BnRs in common tumors the recent success of utilizing overexpression of somatostatin-receptors by neuroendocrine-tumors to provide the most sensitive imaging methods and targeted delivery of cytotoxic-compounds.     

小分子靶向治疗联合肝动脉栓塞化疗术治疗对晚期肝癌患者临床疗效及生存时间的影响

目的 探析晚期肝癌患者应用小分子靶向治疗联合肝动脉栓塞化疗术治疗的临床疗效以及对患者生存时间的影响.方法 90例晚期肝癌患者,通过随机数字表法分为对照组及观察组,每组45例.对照组行单纯肝动脉栓塞化疗术治疗,观察组应用小分子靶向治疗联合肝动脉栓塞化疗术治疗.比较两组临床疗效、生存情况(无进展生存期、生存时间)及不良反应...     

晚期食管癌二线化疗药物的研究进展

食管癌是我国常见高发恶性肿瘤之一,大部分患者确诊时已发生局部侵犯或远处转移,而姑息性化疗是晚期食管癌患者的主要治疗手段.一线化疗后疾病进展且一般状况良好的患者仍需要接受二线治疗,然而目前尚无标准的二线化疗方案,故寻找一线化疗失败后的解救治疗方案就显得尤其的重要.近十多年来,许多新药包括多西紫杉醇、伊立替康及吉西他滨等已...     

三阴性乳腺癌的新辅助化疗

三阴性乳腺癌是一类侵袭性较强且具有明显异质性的乳腺癌亚型,患者的总体预后较差。多项研究显示新辅助化疗后病理完全缓解的三阴性乳腺癌患者预后较好。目前已有多种化疗药物及靶向药物用于三阴性乳腺癌新辅助化疗的临床研究,部分药物显示出较高的病理学完全缓解率和良好的应用前景。