Molecularly Targeted Lanthanide Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostic Applications

Abstract

Injectable colloidal solutions of lanthanide oxides (nanoparticles between 10 and 100 nm in size) have demonstrated high biocompatibility and no toxicity when the nanoparticulate units are functionalized with specific biomolecules that molecularly target various proteins in the tumor microenvironment. Among the proteins successfully targeted by functionalized lanthanide nanoparticles are folic receptors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and integrins associated with tumor neovasculature. Lutetium, samarium, europium, holmium, and terbium, either as lanthanide oxide nanoparticles or as nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions, have demonstrated their theranostic potential through their ability to generate molecular images by magnetic resonance, nuclear, optical, or computed tomography imaging. Likewise, photodynamic therapy, targeted radiotherapy (neutron-activated nanoparticles), drug delivery guidance, and image-guided tumor therapy are some examples of their potential therapeutic applications. This review provides an overview of cancer theranostics based on lanthanide nanoparticles coated with specific peptides, ligands, and proteins targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Shape Matters: Impact of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Morphology on Anti-Tumor Efficacy

“…This can help maximize the drug concentration within tumor tissues while minimizing impacts on the surrounding normal tissues [5,6], and nano-carriers can effectively enhance the water solubility of drugs and slow down drug metabolism, thereby prolonging the circulation time of drugs in the body [7,8]. Furthermore, nanotechnologies such as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with diagnostic and targeted therapeutic capabilities; transdermal nanotechnology for skin cancer; lanthanidebased nanoparticles coated with specific peptides, ligands, and proteins targeting the tumor microenvironment; as well as magnetite nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery all show promising development [9][10][11][12]. These nanotechnologies provide drugs with a longer-lasting therapeutic effect, offering patients with breast cancer more sustainable treatment outcomes.…”