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Prediction of Anti-cancer Nanotherapy Efficacy by Imaging
Miles A Miller1,2, Sean Arlauckas1, Ralph Weissleder1,2,3
1Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.
Abstract:
Anticancer nanotherapeutics have shown mixed results in clinical trials, raising the questions of whether imaging should be used to i) identify patients with a higher likelihood of nanoparticle accumulation, ii) assess nanotherapeutic efficacy before traditional measures show response, and iii) guide adjuvant treatments to enhance therapeutic nanoparticle (TNP) delivery. Here we review the use of a clinically approved MRI nanoparticle (ferumoxytol, FMX) to predict TNP delivery and efficacy. It is becoming increasingly apparent that nanoparticles used for imaging, despite clearly distinct physicochemical properties, often co-localize with TNP in tumors. This evidence offers the possibility of using FMX as a generic "companion diagnostic" nanoparticle for multiple TNP formulations, thus potentially allowing many of the complex regulatory and cost challenges of other approaches to be avoided.
Insights
Ferumoxytol (FMX), an MRI nanoparticle, can predict anticancer nanotherapeutic delivery and efficacy. FMX shows potential as a companion diagnostic, simplifying regulatory and cost challenges for nanomedicine.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Anticancer nanotherapeutics exhibit variable clinical trial outcomes.
- The role of imaging in predicting nanoparticle delivery and therapeutic response remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of ferumoxytol (FMX), a clinically approved MRI nanoparticle, in predicting therapeutic nanoparticle (TNP) delivery and efficacy.
- To explore FMX as a potential companion diagnostic for nanotherapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nanoparticle co-localization and imaging.
- Analysis of ferumoxytol's properties and its application in predicting TNP behavior.
Main Results:
- Imaging nanoparticles, like FMX, often co-localize with TNPs in tumors, irrespective of distinct physicochemical properties.
- FMX demonstrates potential for predicting TNP delivery and treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Ferumoxytol can serve as a "companion diagnostic" nanoparticle for various TNP formulations.
- Utilizing FMX may mitigate regulatory and cost hurdles associated with nanotherapeutic development.
