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Maximizing arsenic trioxide's anticancer potential: Targeted nanocarriers for solid tumor therapy
Shiqi Yang1, Faisal Raza1, Kunwei Li1
1School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Abstract:
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has gained significant attention due to its promising therapeutic effects in treating different diseases, particularly acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Its potent anticancer mechanisms have been extensively studied. Despite the great efficacy ATO shows in fighting cancers, drawbacks in the clinical use are obvious, especially for solid tumors, which include rapid renal clearance and short half-life, severe adverse effects, and high toxicity to normal cells. Recently, the emergence of nanomedicine offers a potential solution to these limitations. The enhanced biocompatibility, excellent targeting capability, and desirable effectiveness have attracted much interest. Therefore, we summarized various nanocarriers for targeted delivery of ATO to solid tumors. We also provided detailed anticancer mechanisms of ATO in treating cancers, its clinical trials and shortcomings as well as the combination therapy of ATO and other chemotherapeutic agents for reduced drug resistance and synergistic effects. Finally, the future study direction and prospects were also presented.
Insights
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) shows promise for cancer treatment but faces challenges with solid tumors. Nanomedicine offers a solution for targeted delivery, improving efficacy and reducing toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a potent anticancer agent, particularly effective against acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
- Clinical application of ATO for solid tumors is limited by rapid clearance, short half-life, severe adverse effects, and toxicity to normal cells.
- Nanomedicine presents a promising strategy to overcome these limitations through enhanced biocompatibility, targeting, and effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanocarriers for targeted delivery of ATO to solid tumors.
- To detail the anticancer mechanisms of ATO.
- To discuss ATO's clinical trials, limitations, and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nanocarrier systems for ATO delivery.
- Analysis of ATO's anticancer mechanisms and clinical data.
- Exploration of combination therapy strategies for ATO.
Main Results:
- Various nanocarriers have been developed for targeted ATO delivery to solid tumors.
- ATO exhibits potent anticancer activity through multiple mechanisms.
- Combination therapies can enhance ATO efficacy and reduce drug resistance.
Conclusions:
- Nanomedicine offers a viable approach to improve ATO's therapeutic index for solid tumors.
- Further research into targeted ATO delivery and combination therapies is warranted.
- ATO holds significant potential for solid tumor treatment when delivered via advanced nanocarrier systems.
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