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Applications of nanoparticles to diagnostics and therapeutics in colorectal cancer
Paolo Fortina1, Larry J Kricka, David J Graves
1Department of Cancer Biology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. paolo.fortina@jefferson.edu
Abstract:
Nanotechnology has considerable promise for the detection, staging and treatment of cancer. Here, we outline one such promising application: the use of nanostructures with surface-bound ligands for the targeted delivery and ablation of colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the US. Normal colonic epithelial cells as well as primary CRC and metastatic tumors all express a unique surface-bound guanylyl cyclase C (GCC), which binds the diarrheagenic bacterial heat-stable peptide enterotoxin ST. This makes GCC a potential target for metastatic tumor ablation using ST-bound nanoparticles in combination with thermal ablation with near-infrared or radiofrequency energy absorption. Furthermore, the incorporation of iron or iron oxide into such structures would provide advantages for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the scenarios outlined in this article are hypothetical, they might stimulate ideas about how other cancers could be attacked using nanotechnology.
Insights
This study proposes using ST-bound nanoparticles to target and ablate colorectal cancer (CRC) by targeting guanylyl cyclase C (GCC). Incorporating iron oxide could enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality.
- Guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is a unique surface marker on normal and cancerous colonic cells.
- Targeting GCC offers a potential strategy for CRC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of nanostructures for targeted colorectal cancer (CRC) delivery and ablation.
- To investigate guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) as a therapeutic target for CRC.
- To propose a nanotechnology-based approach for cancer treatment and imaging.
Main Methods:
- Designing nanostructures with surface-bound ligands (ST peptide).
- Targeting nanostructures to GCC expressed on colorectal cancer cells.
- Utilizing thermal ablation (near-infrared or radiofrequency) for tumor destruction.
- Incorporating iron or iron oxide for enhanced MRI contrast.
Main Results:
- Hypothetical application of ST-bound nanoparticles for targeted CRC ablation.
- GCC identified as a viable target for nanomedicine-based cancer therapy.
- Potential for dual-modal therapy combining targeted ablation and MRI.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology offers promising avenues for targeted cancer detection, staging, and treatment.
- ST-bound nanostructures targeting GCC represent a novel strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) ablation.
- Further research into nanomedicine applications could advance cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
