Magnetic Composite Scaffolds for Potential Applications in Radiochemotherapy of Malignant Bone Tumors

Abstract

Background and objectives: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, an alarming but expected increase. In comparison to other types of cancer, malignant bone tumors are unusual and their treatment is a real challenge. This paper’s main purpose is the study of the potential application of composite scaffolds based on biopolymers and calcium phosphates with the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles in combination therapy for malignant bone tumors. Materials and Methods: The first step was to investigate if X-rays could modify the scaffolds’ properties. In vitro degradation of the scaffolds exposed to X-rays was analyzed, as well as their interaction with phosphate buffer solutions and cells. The second step was to load an anti-tumoral drug (doxorubicin) and to study in vitro drug release and its interaction with cells. The chemical structure of the scaffolds and their morphology were studied. Results: Analyses showed that X-ray irradiation did not influence the scaffolds’ features. Doxorubicin release was gradual and its interaction with cells showed cytotoxic effects on cells after 72 h of direct contact. Conclusions: The obtained scaffolds could be considered in further studies regarding combination therapy for malignant bone tumors.

Review of a new bone tumor therapy strategy based on bifunctional biomaterials

“…Moreover, mild photothermal effects (~43 °C) reported in recent studies can not only greatly enhance the proliferation of MSCs but also promote osteogenesis. 171 – 175 This is good news for bone tumor therapy. The mild photothermal effect was shown to stimulate and accelerate in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis.…”

“… 170 , 176 Second, future treatment strategies for bone tumor therapy may not be limited to photothermal therapy and chemotherapy combined with biomaterials, and other therapeutic strategies, such as radiochemotherapy and gas therapy, may also be potential methods to treat malignant bone tumors. 171 , 172 Third, scaffolds developed in the future may need to be multifunctional, considering infection along with tumor therapy and bone regeneration. 177 , 178 During tumor surgery, bleeding and soft tissue defects need to be considered.…”

Vibrational Spectroscopy Fingerprinting in Medicine: from Molecular to Clinical Practice

“…The non-neoplastic bone conditions, like inflammatory processes, non-ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, bone cysts, and Paget’s disease, surpass the primary bone tumours. The majority of malignant bone tumours are formed based on a hereditary disorder but can also occur spontaneously with a recurrence degree classified as follows: 35% for osteosarcoma, 25% for chondrosarcoma, 16% for Ewing’s sarcoma, 8% for chordoma, and 5% for malignant fibrous histiocytoma [157].…”

The Potential Selective Cytotoxicity of Poly (L- Lactic Acid)-Based Scaffolds Functionalized with Nanohydroxyapatite and Europium (III) Ions toward Osteosarcoma Cells

“…Moreover, microporous poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were obtained by Palama et al to sustain the local release of anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (DXM) [48]. Recently composites, based on biopolymers and calcium phosphates with inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, were described as strategy suitable for combination therapy (radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy) of malignant bone tumors [54]. Given the above examples, polymer-based carriers are considered as a tool that can be used to provide selective targeting of tumor sites without significant damage to the viability of healthy tissues.…”