Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Targeting CD44 receptor-positive lung tumors using polysaccharide-based nanocarriers: Influence of nanoparticle size
Victor Jeannot1, Silvia Mazzaferro2, Jonathan Lavaud3
1INSERM U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France.
Abstract:
New approaches that are more efficient and able to specifically reach lung tumors are needed. We developed new hyaluronan-based nanoparticles targeting CD44 receptors of two different sizes and compared their lung cancer cells targeting efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles' cellular uptake was dose-dependent, and specific to hyaluronan receptors, particularly CD44. The binding and internalization differed according to nanoparticle size. In vivo biodistribution studies in two orthotopic lung tumor models showed that intrapulmonary nebulized nanoparticles accumulated in lungs, but not in the tumor nodules. In contrast, despite a significant liver capture, intravenous injection led to a better accumulation of the nanoparticles in the lung tumors compared with the surrounding healthy lung tissues. We demonstrated that the hyaluronan-based nanoparticles size plays significant role in cellular uptake and biodistribution. Small nanoparticles showed active targeting of CD44-overexpressing tumors, suggesting that they could be used as drug-delivery system.
From The Clinical Editor:
Combating cancers remains an important goal in clinical medicine. In this study, the authors investigated the ability of two hyaluronan-based nanoparticles targeting CD44 receptors to home in on lung cancer cells in an in-vivo orthotropic model. The preferential uptake of smaller sized nanoparticles via intravenous route has further enhanced the existing knowledge of future drug designs.
Insights
Hyaluronan-based nanoparticles targeting CD44 receptors show promise for lung cancer treatment. Smaller nanoparticles administered intravenously demonstrated effective accumulation in lung tumors, suggesting potential as a drug-delivery system.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- Lung cancer necessitates novel, targeted drug-delivery systems.
- Hyaluronan-based nanoparticles targeting CD44 receptors were investigated for lung cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate hyaluronan-based nanoparticles of two sizes for targeting CD44 receptors on lung cancer cells.
- To compare the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these nanoparticles in preclinical lung cancer models.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of hyaluronan-based nanoparticles with specific targeting of CD44 receptors.
- In vitro assessment of cellular uptake and binding specificity.
- In vivo biodistribution studies in orthotopic lung tumor models using different administration routes (intrapulmonary and intravenous).
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle cellular uptake was dose-dependent and specific to hyaluronan receptors, particularly CD44.
- Intrapulmonary nebulization led to lung accumulation but not tumor targeting.
- Intravenous injection resulted in significant liver capture but better accumulation in lung tumors compared to healthy lung tissue.
- Nanoparticle size significantly influenced cellular uptake and biodistribution.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronan-based nanoparticle size is critical for effective lung cancer targeting.
- Smaller nanoparticles demonstrated active targeting of CD44-overexpressing lung tumors via intravenous administration.
- These nanoparticles hold potential as a drug-delivery system for lung cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted