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Nanotheranostics With the Combination of Improved Targeting, Therapeutic Effects, and Molecular Imaging
Shin-Lei Peng1, Chih-Ho Lai2, Pei-Yi Chu3
1Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Abstract:
There is an increasing interest in the design of targeted carrier systems with combined therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Therapeutic modalities targeting tumors with single ligand-based targeting nanocarriers are insufficient for proficient delivery and for targeting two different surface receptors that are overexpressed in cancer cells. Here, we evaluated an activated nanoparticle delivery system comprising fucoidan/hyaluronic acid to improve therapeutic efficacy. The system comprised polyethylene glycol-gelatin-encapsulated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide; PLGA), and stable iron oxide nanoparticles (IOs). The latter enables targeting of prostate cancers in their molecular images. We demonstrate the transfer of nanoparticles and their entry into prostate cancer cells through ligand-specific recognition. This system may prove the benefits of drug delivery that enhances the inhibition of cell growth through apoptosis induction. Moreover, the improved targeting of nanotheranostics significantly suppressed orthotopic prostate tumor growth and more accurately targeted tumors compared with systemic combination therapy. In the presence of nanoparticles with iron oxides, the hypointensity of the prostate tumor was visualized on a T2-weignted magnetic resonance image. The diagnostic ability of this system was demonstrated by accumulating fluorescent nanoparticles in the prostate tumor from the in vivo imaging system, computed tomography. It is suggested that theranostic nanoparticles combined with a molecular imaging system can be a promising cancer therapy in the future.
Insights
This study presents a novel nanocarrier system for enhanced prostate cancer therapy and diagnostics. The theranostic nanoparticles effectively target cancer cells, suppress tumor growth, and enable molecular imaging for improved treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Current single-ligand nanocarriers show limitations in targeting multiple cancer cell receptors for effective drug delivery.
- Combined therapeutic and diagnostic modalities (theranostics) are increasingly important for precision cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an activated nanoparticle delivery system for improved therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic capabilities in prostate cancer.
- To investigate a multi-component nanocarrier system for enhanced targeting of dual surface receptors overexpressed in cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Development of a nanoparticle system incorporating fucoidan/hyaluronic acid, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), and iron oxide nanoparticles (IOs).
- Demonstration of nanoparticle transfer and uptake into prostate cancer cells via ligand-specific recognition.
- Assessment of therapeutic efficacy through apoptosis induction and orthotopic tumor growth suppression.
- Evaluation of diagnostic potential using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in vivo imaging systems (IVIS) for tumor visualization.
Main Results:
- The nanocarrier system demonstrated effective targeting and entry into prostate cancer cells.
- Significant suppression of orthotopic prostate tumor growth was observed compared to systemic combination therapy.
- Iron oxide nanoparticles enabled clear visualization of prostate tumors on T2-weighted MRI.
- Fluorescent nanoparticles accumulated in tumors, confirming diagnostic potential via IVIS and computed tomography.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanocarrier system enhances therapeutic efficacy by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell growth.
- Nanotheranostics significantly improved tumor targeting and suppression of orthotopic prostate tumor growth.
- Combined theranostic nanoparticles and molecular imaging represent a promising future direction for cancer therapy.
