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Current status and future prospects of nanomedicine for arsenic trioxide delivery to solid tumors
Marthe Sönksen1, Kornelius Kerl1, Hana Bunzen2
1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
Abstract:
Despite having a rich history as a poison, arsenic and its compounds have also gained a great reputation as promising anticancer drugs. As a pioneer, arsenic trioxide has been approved for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Many in vitro studies suggested that arsenic trioxide could also be used in the treatment of solid tumors. However, the transition from bench to bedside turned out to be challenging, especially in terms of the drug bioavailability and concentration reaching tumor tissues. To address these issues, nanomedicine tools have been proposed. As nanocarriers of arsenic trioxide, various materials have been examined including liposomes, polymer, and inorganic nanoparticles, and many other materials. This review gives an overview of the existing strategies of delivery of arsenic trioxide in cancer treatment with a focus on the drug encapsulation approaches and medicinal impact in the treatment of solid tumors. It focuses on the progress in the last years and gives an outlook and suggestions for further improvements including theragnostic approaches and targeted delivery.
Insights
Arsenic trioxide shows promise for solid tumors, but delivery challenges hinder clinical use. Nanomedicine offers solutions for improved bioavailability and targeted delivery of this potent anticancer agent.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Arsenic trioxide, historically a poison, is now recognized for its anticancer properties.
- It is approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia and shows potential against solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanomedicine strategies for delivering arsenic trioxide in solid tumor treatment.
- To focus on encapsulation methods, medicinal impact, and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on arsenic trioxide delivery systems.
- Analysis of various nanocarriers like liposomes, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of encapsulation approaches and their impact on solid tumor therapy.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers significantly improve arsenic trioxide bioavailability and tumor tissue concentration.
- Various nanomedicine platforms demonstrate efficacy in preclinical solid tumor models.
- Progress in nanodelivery enhances the therapeutic potential of arsenic trioxide.
Conclusions:
- Nanomedicine offers a viable strategy to overcome arsenic trioxide delivery challenges in solid tumors.
- Further research into targeted delivery and theranostic approaches is recommended.
- Optimized nanocarrier systems can unlock the full potential of arsenic trioxide in oncology.
