Anti-MUC1 nano-aptamers for triple-negative breast cancer imaging by single-photon emission computed tomography in inducted animals: initial considerations
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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases
Published on: August 23, 2024
Fagner Santos do Carmo1, Eduardo Ricci-Junior2, Cristal Cerqueira-Coutinho3
1Rio de Janeiro State University, Biology Institute Roberto Alcantara Gomes; Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute.
Abstract:
The early and specific detection of tumors remains a barrier in oncology, especially in cases such as the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To address this gap, aptamers have found an important application in the recognition of tumor biomarkers such as mucin 1 (MUC1). However, there are still some difficulties in the use of aptamer, as their rapid biological clearance makes their use as drugs limited. In this study, the anti-MUC1 aptamer was used as a drug delivery system (DDS) for a radioactive polymeric nanoparticle (NP) in the imaging of TNBCs. Thus, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) NPs loaded with the anti-MUC1 aptamer and labeled with technetium-99m were used for a biodistribution study and imaging of TNBC. The results confirmed that the NP was successfully obtained, with a mean size of 262 nm, according to the dynamic light scattering data. The biodistribution assay in induced animal models with TNBC showed that although there was a high capture by intestine (>30%), the DDS developed had a high tumor uptake (5%) and with great in vivo imaging properties, corroborating the possibility of use of this DDS as an imaging drug for TNBC.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel drug delivery system using anti-mucin 1 (MUC1) aptamers and radioactive nanoparticles for imaging triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This system shows promise for early tumor detection and in vivo imaging of TNBC.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Early and specific tumor detection is crucial in oncology, particularly for challenging cancers like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
- Aptamers targeting tumor biomarkers like mucin 1 (MUC1) offer potential but face limitations due to rapid biological clearance.
- Developing effective drug delivery systems (DDS) is essential for aptamer-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an aptamer-based drug delivery system (DDS) for the in vivo imaging of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
- To utilize anti-MUC1 aptamers conjugated with radioactive polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as a targeted imaging agent for TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and loaded with an anti-MUC1 aptamer.
- The NPs were labeled with technetium-99m for radioactive imaging.
- Biodistribution studies and in vivo imaging were performed in animal models with induced TNBC.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) NPs with a mean size of 262 nm.
- The developed DDS demonstrated significant tumor uptake (5%) in TNBC animal models.
- The system exhibited favorable in vivo imaging properties, despite high intestinal uptake (>30%).
Conclusions:
- The aptamer-functionalized radioactive nanoparticles show potential as an effective imaging drug for TNBC.
- This DDS can overcome aptamer limitations, enabling better visualization and detection of TNBC.
- Further research may lead to improved diagnostic tools for triple-negative breast cancer.
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