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One Minute, Sub-One-Watt Photothermal Tumor Ablation Using Porphysomes, Intrinsic Multifunctional Nanovesicles
Published on: September 17, 2013
Bacteria-derived membrane vesicles to advance targeted photothermal tumor ablation
Qi Zhuang1, Jun Xu1, Dashi Deng1
1Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
Abstract:
Nanoscale outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted by Gram-negative bacteria are often applied in antibacterial treatment as adjuvants or antigens. Recently, OMVs have also been tested in a few anti-tumor treatment studies, in which OMVs are injected multiple times to achieve certain therapeutic effects, showing risks in repeated cytokine storms. Herein, we propose the use a single low dose of OMVs combined with photothermal therapy (PTT) for effective cancer treatment. It was found that single i. v. injection of OMVs could activate the immune system by boosting the secretion levels of anti-tumor related cytokines. In addition, single i. v. injection of OMVs could also lead to extravasation of red blood cells in the tumor mainly owing to the effect of lipopolysaccharide on the OMVs. Such effect was not observed in other normal organs. As the results, the tumors on OMV-treated mice showed obviously darkened color with greatly increased intratumoral optical absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region, further enabling effective photothermal ablation of those tumors by the NIR laser. Without causing obvious adverse responses, bacteria-derived OMVs may be a new type of therapeutic agent for cancer treatment with multiple functions.
Insights
This study introduces a novel cancer therapy using a single low dose of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) combined with photothermal therapy (PTT). This approach effectively targets tumors by enhancing immune response and optical properties, minimizing adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram-negative bacteria are used in antibacterial treatments.
- Previous anti-tumor studies with OMVs involved multiple injections, risking cytokine storms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a single low dose of OMVs combined with photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatment.
- To evaluate the immune-activating and tumor-sensitizing effects of OMVs.
Main Methods:
- Single intravenous injection of OMVs in mice.
- Assessment of anti-tumor cytokine secretion.
- Evaluation of red blood cell extravasation in tumors.
- Near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for photothermal ablation.
Main Results:
- Single OMV injection boosted anti-tumor cytokine levels and immune activation.
- OMVs induced tumor-specific red blood cell extravasation via lipopolysaccharide.
- Tumors exhibited increased NIR optical absorbance, enabling effective photothermal ablation.
- No obvious adverse responses were observed.
Conclusions:
- Bacteria-derived OMVs offer a promising, multifunctional therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
- Combining OMVs with PTT provides an effective strategy with reduced adverse effects.
- This approach enhances tumor targeting and ablation through immune modulation and altered optical properties.
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