Controlled-Release Nanosystems with a Dual Function of Targeted Therapy and Radiotherapy in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Nanoparticles are excellent platforms for several biomedical applications, including cancer treatment. They can incorporate different molecules to produce combinations of chemotherapeutic agents, radionuclides, and targeting molecules to improve the therapeutic strategies against cancer. These specific nanosystems are designed to have minimal side effects on healthy cells and better treatment efficacy against cancer cells when compared to chemotherapeutics, external irradiation, or targeted radiotherapy alone. In colorectal cancer, some metal and polymeric nanoparticle platforms have been used to potentialize external radiation therapy and targeted drug delivery. Polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, albumin-based nanoparticles, etc., conjugated with PEG and/or HLA, can be excellent platforms to increase blood circulation time and decrease side effects, in addition to the combination of chemo/radiotherapy, which increases therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, radiolabeled nanoparticles have been conjugated to target specific tissues and are mainly used as agents for diagnosis, drug/gene delivery systems, or plasmonic photothermal therapy enhancers. This review aims to analyze how nanosystems are shaping combinatorial therapy and evaluate their status in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Multifunctional Drug-Loaded Phase-Change Nanoparticles Inhibit the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Affecting the Activity of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells

“…In in vitro drug release experiments, we proved that the release of PFD gradually increased with the extension of time and remained stable after 36 hours, confirming the good biological stability of PFD, which laid a solid foundation for its long-term circulation and sustained release in vivo [ 45 ]. The results of CCK-8, colony formation, and apoptosis confirmed the killing effect of PPL NPs on LX2 cells; we found that PPL NP treatment alone had the least toxicity to LX2 cells, while combined with LIFU, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were at the same concentration.…”

Challenges in Preparation of Albumin Nanoparticle-Based Radiopharmaceuticals

“…There have been two recent reviews of radiolabelling approaches for nanoparticles, though these are not albumin-based [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Chitosan Surface-Modified PLGA Nanoparticles Loaded with Cranberry Powder Extract as a Potential Oral Delivery Platform for Targeting Colon Cancer Cells

“…Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the third most prevalent disease globally and one of the most destructive forms of cancer [ 2 ]. Several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, diet, and the immune system, are related to colon cancer etiology.…”

“…CRC affects the lining of epithelial cells in the colon’s lumen, and the degree of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis characterize its progression. Consequently, CRC management is greatly influenced by the tumor’s characteristics and the patient’s response [ 2 ].…”