Cancer nanomedicine: a review of nano-therapeutics and challenges ahead

Nirmala, M. Joyce; Kizhuveetil, Uma; Johnson, Athira; Balaji, G; Nagarajan, R.; Muthuvijayan, Vignesh

doi:10.1039/d2ra07863e

Cited by 63 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 128 publications

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“…Materials in the nanoscale range are small enough that safe administration to living organisms is practical while also offering physiochemical properties advantageous for medical treatment and diagnosis. 1 High surface area to volume ratios (SAVR) intrinsic to increasingly small particle sizes augments reactivity and allows for a high degree of engineering and design opportunities. 2 Nanoparticles may be developed for specialized medical applications such as radiation therapy enhancers, imaging contrast agents, and drug delivery platforms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Advances in nanotechnology have broken ground in the medical field as advantageous size-dependent properties enable innovative approaches to historically persistent challenges. Materials in the nanoscale range are small enough that safe administration to living organisms is practical while also offering physiochemical properties advantageous for medical treatment and diagnosis . High surface area to volume ratios (SAVR) intrinsic to increasingly small particle sizes augments reactivity and allows for a high degree of engineering and design opportunities .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Synthesis and Bioapplication of Emerging Nanomaterials of Hafnium

Skrodzki,

Molinaro,

Brown

et al. 2024

ACS Nano

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A significant amount of progress in nanotechnology has been made due to the development of engineered nanoparticles. The use of metallic nanoparticles for various biomedical applications has been extensively investigated. Biomedical research is highly focused on them because of their inert nature, nanoscale structure, and similar size to many biological molecules. The intrinsic characteristics of these particles, including electronic, optical, physicochemical, and surface plasmon resonance, that can be altered by altering their size, shape, environment, aspect ratio, ease of synthesis, and functionalization properties, have led to numerous biomedical applications. Targeted drug delivery, sensing, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, and imaging are some of these. The promising clinical results of NBTXR3, a high-Z radiosensitizing nanomaterial derived from hafnium, have demonstrated translational potential of this metal. This radiosensitization approach leverages the dependence of energy attenuation on atomic number to enhance energy−matter interactions conducive to radiation therapy. High-Z nanoparticle localization in tumor issue differentially increases the effect of ionizing radiation on cancer cells versus nearby healthy ones and mitigates adverse effects by reducing the overall radiation burden. This principle enables material multifunctionality as contrast agents in X-ray-based imaging. The physiochemical properties of hafnium (Z = 72) are particularly advantageous for these applications. A well-placed K-edge absorption energy and high mass attenuation coefficient compared to elements in human tissue across clinical energy ranges leads to significant attenuation. Chemical reactivity allows for variety in nanoparticle synthesis, composition, and functionalization. Nanoparticles such as hafnium oxide exhibit excellent biocompatibility due to physiochemical inertness prior to incidence with ionizing radiation. Additionally, the optical and electronic properties are applicable in biosensing, optical component coatings, and semiconductors. The wide interest has prompted extensive research in design and synthesis to facilitate property fine-tuning. This review summarizes synthetic methods for hafnium-based nanomaterials and applications in therapy, imaging, and biosensing with a mechanistic focus. A discussion and future perspective section highlights clinical progress and elaborates on current challenges. By focusing on factors impacting applicational effectiveness and examining limitations this review aims to support researchers and expedite clinical translation of future hafnium-based nanomedicine.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synthesis and Bioapplication of Emerging Nanomaterials of Hafnium

Skrodzki,

Molinaro,

Brown

et al. 2024

ACS Nano

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“…Nanomedicine has emerged as a revolutionary approach to cancer therapy, offering new hope in the fight against this devastating disease . By harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and their ability to interact with biological systems at the nanoscale, nanomedicine is transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

7-Amino-6H-anthra[9,1-cd] Isothiazol-6-one-Casein Nanosystem for Live Cell Staining and Augmenting Therapeutic Effectiveness in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Khatun,

Kshtriya,

Gour

et al. 2024

ACS Appl. Nano Mater.

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Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) causes a significant challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. This study introduces a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic effectiveness against TNBC by developing a dual-functioning 7-amino-6Hanthra[9,1-cd] isothiazol-6-one (AAT) encapsulated Casein nanosystem (CAAT NPs). This innovative approach serves both as a live cell staining technique and as a means to augment therapeutic outcomes in highly metastatic TNBC. AAT, chosen for its dual role as a fluorescence marker for live cells and its inherent anticancer properties, undergoes fluorescence quenching upon inducing cancer cell death. The Casein nanosystem ensures efficient dye encapsulation, providing stability and controlled release. Physicochemical analysis validates successful encapsulation, yielding a desirable size distribution of CAAT NPs. Cellular uptake studies demonstrate effective internalization in 4T1 cells with minimal cytotoxicity in healthy cell lines and organisms. Subsequent investigations revealed subcellular localization, altered mitochondrial membrane potential, nucleus breakage, antimigration activity, and growth suppression in 4T1 cells. Increased expression of γH2AX, indicating DNA damage, further underscores the therapeutic potential. In a 3-D model of 4T1 cells, CAAT NPs exhibit significant therapeutic efficacy, suggesting a promising option for safe and efficient TNBC treatment.

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“…4 To minimize the typical limitations of chemotherapeutic agents, various nano-particle-based drug delivery systems have been investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies. [5][6][7] Although the high accumulation of these nanoscale delivery systems in tumor sites by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect improves the antitumor efficiency of chemotherapeutics, [8][9][10] the significant nonspecific uptake of nanoparticles in healthy organs including the liver and spleen, followed by long-term accumulation in the body, causes serious health problems. 11 In light of this, the utilization of biodegradable nanomaterials with the tumor-targeting strategy has focused on the development of potent nanomedicines for targeted and responsive drug delivery to further improve the therapeutic index as well as reduce the side effects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%