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Isolation of Primary Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts from a Syngeneic Murine Model of Breast Cancer for the Study of Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: May 14, 2021
Targeting cancer stem cells by using the nanoparticles
In-Sun Hong1, Gyu-Beom Jang1, Hwa-Yong Lee2
1Laboratory of Tumor Suppressor, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea ; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been shown to be markedly resistant to conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that selectively target CSCs will ultimately lead to better cancer treatments. Currently, accessible conventional therapeutic agents mainly eliminate the bulk tumor but do not eliminate CSCs. Therefore, the discovery and improvement of CSC-targeting therapeutic agents are necessary. Nanoparticles effectively inhibit multiple types of CSCs by targeting specific signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, transforming growth factor-β, and hedgehog signaling) and/or specific markers (aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, CD90, and CD133) critically involved in CSC function and maintenance. In this review article, we summarized a number of findings to provide current information about their therapeutic potential of nanoparticles in various cancer cell types and CSCs.
Insights
Nanoparticles show promise in cancer treatment by targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are resistant to conventional therapies. This approach inhibits CSCs by targeting key signaling pathways and markers, offering a potential for improved cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation.
- Current treatments eliminate bulk tumors but not CSCs, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting CSCs is crucial for developing more effective cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles in targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs).
- To summarize current findings on nanoparticle-based CSC inhibition.
- To highlight nanoparticles' role in overcoming resistance to conventional cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nanoparticle applications in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of nanoparticle targeting mechanisms for CSCs.
- Summary of studies investigating nanoparticle efficacy against various cancer types and CSCs.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles effectively inhibit multiple CSC types.
- Targeting involves specific signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, TGF-β, hedgehog) and markers (ALDHs, CD44, CD90, CD133).
- Nanoparticles demonstrate therapeutic potential across diverse cancer cell types.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for selectively targeting and inhibiting cancer stem cells.
- Targeting CSCs with nanoparticles can overcome resistance to conventional treatments.
- Further research into nanoparticle-based therapies could lead to improved clinical outcomes in oncology.
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