Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases
Published on: August 23, 2024
Anti-CEA tagged iron nanoparticles for targeting triple-negative breast cancer
Thais S Correa1, Anamélia L Bocca2, Florêncio Figueiredo3
1Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São João del Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho 400, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Systemic therapy is generally required for breast cancer. However, treatment toxicity and side effects are a concern, especially for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype that usually develops resistance to chemotherapy. To overcome this issue, new nanoformulations capable of targeting cancer cells have been developed and alternative biomarkers have been explored as target molecules for TNBC management. In this study, we performed anin vivoassay in a murine orthotopic TNBC model to evaluate the targeting ability of anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) loaded nanoparticles (labelled MFCEA), which had been previously synthetized by our research group. 4T1 cells were injected in the mammary gland of balb-c mice, and tumors were evaluated for CEA expression by immunohistochemistry. Tumor-bearing mice received targeted (MFCEA) and non-targeted (MF) nanoparticles intraperitoneally. Tumors were removed 1, 4, 15 and 24 h after treatment, and Prussian blue iron staining was performed. Our results showed, as far as we know for the first time, that 4T1 induced tumors are CEA positive, and this opens up new prospects for treating TNBC. Furthermore, MFCEA nanoparticles were able to target malignant tissue and were retained in the tumor for longer than MF nanoparticles. The retention property of MFCEA, together with the absence of toxicity observed in the MTT assay, make these nanoparticles a promising device for management of CEA positive tumors and perhaps for TNBC. Nevertheless, further studies must be carried out to improve their performance and ensure safety for clinical studies.
Insights
New targeted nanoparticles show promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These novel nanoformulations effectively target and remain in CEA-positive tumors, offering a potential alternative to chemotherapy with reduced toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Systemic therapy for breast cancer can cause significant toxicity.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often develops chemotherapy resistance.
- Targeted nanoformulations offer a potential strategy to overcome treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the *in vivo* targeting and retention of anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) loaded nanoparticles (MFCEA) in a murine orthotopic TNBC model.
- To assess CEA expression in 4T1 induced tumors.
- To investigate the potential of MFCEA nanoparticles for TNBC management.
Main Methods:
- An orthotopic TNBC model was established using 4T1 cells in balb-c mice.
- Tumor tissues were analyzed for CEA expression via immunohistochemistry.
- Mice received targeted (MFCEA) and non-targeted (MF) nanoparticles intraperitoneally.
- Tumor tissues were collected at various time points (1, 4, 15, 24 h) post-administration.
- Prussian blue iron staining was used to quantify nanoparticle presence.
Main Results:
- 4T1 induced tumors were confirmed to be CEA positive, a novel finding.
- MFCEA nanoparticles demonstrated successful targeting of malignant tumor tissue.
- Targeted MFCEA nanoparticles exhibited longer retention in tumors compared to non-targeted MF nanoparticles.
- MTT assays indicated no observed toxicity associated with the MFCEA nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- CEA expression in 4T1 tumors presents a new therapeutic target for TNBC.
- MFCEA nanoparticles show significant potential for targeting and retaining within CEA-positive tumors.
- The demonstrated efficacy and lack of toxicity suggest MFCEA nanoparticles are a promising platform for managing CEA-positive tumors, including TNBC.
- Further research is warranted to optimize performance and ensure clinical safety.
