Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Mediated Diagnosis and the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC), one of the most lethal solid tumors in humans, has a five-year survival rate of only 4%. Surgical treatment is the only accepted therapy with curative intent because the vast majority of these tumors are chemoresistant. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of these tumors, fewer than 20% are resectable when the first symptoms occur. Novel therapies are required to overcome all these therapeutic issues, and the development of active nanocarriers represents an exciting opportunity to improve PC outcomes. The present review focuses on recent advances in the field of nanotechnology with application in PC treatment.

New Insights into the Biological Response Triggered by Dextran-Coated Maghemite Nanoparticles in Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Their Potential for Theranostic Applications

“…To understand the biological behavior of DIO-NPs and their triggered cellular responses, in vitro experiments were performed on a PANC-1 cell line. This cell line derived from a human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is frequently used as an in vitro model in pancreatic cancer research and the evaluation of novel nanotherapeutics because of its morphological (epithelial) and genetic characteristics [ 44 , 45 ]. Herein, PANC-1 cells were exposed to different doses of DIO-NPs (between 14–56 µg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h to assess the cellular uptake of NPs and their MRI performance as contrast agents as well as the potential cytotoxic effects and molecular modifications after cell–particles interaction.…”

Multimodal Therapies against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Review on Synergistic Approaches toward Ultimate Nanomedicine Treatments

“…[480][481][482][483] Finally, their ability to combine diagnosis and therapy in a single construct, referred to as theranostic, is nowadays the most promising investigated application of nanomedicine in the context of cancer treatment. [49,123] The most commonly used and approved formulations of NPs are lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic nanoparticles, [484][485][486] chosen depending on the nature of the cargoes to be delivered and to the therapeutical application they are destined to. [487] Size, shape, and surface properties of NPs are all factors hugely influencing their behavior in biological media and the subsequent reaction of the body to their presence, [488,489] and therefore must be carefully tuned and optimized.…”

“…[ 480–483 ] Finally, their ability to combine diagnosis and therapy in a single construct, referred to as theranostic, is nowadays the most promising investigated application of nanomedicine in the context of cancer treatment. [ 49,123 ]…”

“…[46][47][48] The past thirty years have witnessed increasingly rapid advances in the application of nanomedicine and specifically nanoparticles to pancreatic cancer treatment, and a considerable literature has grown up around this topic. [37,49] The aim of this review is to summarize the latest nanomedicine findings concerning PDAC treatment, starting with a thorough preliminary dissertation meant to depict and investigate the plethora of factors influencing tumor pathogenesis and biology, and those contributing to its poor response to current therapies. Afterward, the main alternatives offered by nanomedicine to overcome some of the limitations related to conventional PDAC treatments are presented, with a special focus on novel multimodal approaches and innovative preclinical models benefiting from the latest nanotechnological advances.…”

CKS1B as a potential target for prognostic assessment and intervention in pancreatic cancer and its role in abnormal proliferation and cellular phenotype through mediation of cell cycle signaling pathways

“…Despite remarkable advancements in clinical research pertaining to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the long-term survival rate remains disappointingly stagnant. 2 Consequently, the quest for novel prognostic markers within the context of pancreatic cancer assumes heightened significance. It is imperative to explore innovative approaches that could potentially yield more efficacious interventions and improved prognoses for individuals afflicted by this formidable malignancy.…”