A New Paclitaxel Formulation Based on Secretome Isolated from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Shows a Significant Cytotoxic

Alessia Giovanna Santa Banche Niclot1, Elena Marini1, Ivana Ferrero2

  • 1Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, The University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.

Pharmaceutics
|September 28, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study shows that a special medium derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) effectively kills osteosarcoma (OS) cells. This novel approach utilizes extracellular vesicles (EVs) and PTX for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cancer Research
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare cancer with poor outcomes, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer potential as a drug delivery system for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and analyze the cytotoxic effects of a secretome from paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded microvesicles derived from MSCs on OS cell lines.
  • To evaluate the potential of MSC-derived secretomes as a novel therapeutic approach for osteosarcoma.

Main Methods:

  • Secretomes were produced from bone marrow MSCs treated with PTX or standard medium.
  • Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assays on SJSA, MG63, and HOS cell lines.
  • Secretome composition was analyzed using HPLC and nanoparticle tracking assay (NTA).

Main Results:

  • A significant, dose-dependent decrease in OS cell viability was observed with the PTX-loaded secretome (SECR-PTX).
  • NTA confirmed the presence of nanoparticles (NPs) similar in size to extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the secretome.
  • HPLC detected minimal amounts of PTX in all analyzed secretome batches.

Conclusions:

  • The conditioned medium from PTX-loaded MSCs exhibits potent cytotoxic effects against osteosarcoma cell lines.
  • Extracellular vesicles and paclitaxel are key components contributing to the observed anti-cancer activity.
  • This study provides a proof-of-concept for using MSC-derived secretomes as a potential therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma.