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Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Smart cancer nanomedicine
Roy van der Meel1,2,3,4, Einar Sulheim5,6,7, Yang Shi8
1Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Nanomedicines are extensively employed in cancer therapy. We here propose four strategic directions to improve nanomedicine translation and exploitation. (1) Patient stratification has become common practice in oncology drug development. Accordingly, probes and protocols for patient stratification are urgently needed in cancer nanomedicine, to identify individuals suitable for inclusion in clinical trials. (2) Rational drug selection is crucial for clinical and commercial success. Opportunistic choices based on drug availability should be replaced by investments in modular (pro)drug and nanocarrier design. (3) Combination therapies are the mainstay of clinical cancer care. Nanomedicines synergize with pharmacological and physical co-treatments, and should be increasingly integrated in multimodal combination therapy regimens. (4) Immunotherapy is revolutionizing the treatment of cancer. Nanomedicines can modulate the behaviour of myeloid and lymphoid cells, thereby empowering anticancer immunity and immunotherapy efficacy. Alone and especially together, these four directions will fuel and foster the development of successful cancer nanomedicine therapies.
Insights
This study outlines four strategies to advance nanomedicines in cancer therapy. These include patient stratification, rational drug design, combination therapies, and leveraging nanomedicines for immunotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Nanomedicines are widely utilized in cancer treatment.
- Improving the translation and application of nanomedicines is critical for advancing cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose four strategic directions for enhancing the development and clinical use of nanomedicines in oncology.
- To identify key areas for future research and investment in cancer nanomedicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and strategic analysis of current trends in cancer nanomedicine.
- Identification of critical factors for successful nanomedicine translation and clinical integration.
Main Results:
- Four strategic directions proposed: patient stratification, rational drug selection, combination therapies, and immunotherapy integration.
- Nanomedicines can be optimized through modular design and synergistic application with other treatments.
- Nanomedicines hold potential to modulate immune responses for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Implementing these four strategies will accelerate the development of effective nanomedicine-based cancer therapies.
- A focused approach on patient stratification, rational design, combination treatments, and immunotherapy will foster successful nanomedicine translation.
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