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Intravascular elimination of circulating tumor cells and cascaded embolization with multifunctional 3D tubular
Yijing Chen1, Cuiwen Li1, Jinghui Yang2
1College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China. mxie@whu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
The primary tumor ("root") and circulating tumor cells (CTCs; "seeds") are vital factors in tumor progression. However, current treatment strategies mainly focus on inhibiting the tumor while ignoring CTCs, resulting in tumor metastasis. Here, we design a multifunctional 3D scaffold with interconnected macropores, excellent photothermal ability and perfect bioaffinity as a blood vessel implantable device. When implanted upstream of the primary tumor, the scaffold intercepts CTCs fleeing back to the primary tumor and then forms "micro-thrombi" to block the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the tumor for embolization therapy. The scaffold implanted downstream of the tumor efficiently captures and photothermally kills the CTCs that escape from the tumor, thereby preventing metastasis. Experiments using rabbits demonstrated excellent biosafety of this scaffold with 86% of the CTC scavenging rate, 99% of the tumor inhibition rate and 100% of CTC killing efficiency. The multifunctional 3D scaffold synergistically inhibits the "root" and eliminates the "seeds" of the tumor, demonstrating its potential for localized cancer therapy with few side effects and high antitumor efficacy.
Insights
This study introduces a 3D scaffold that targets both primary tumors and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The device prevents metastasis by blocking tumor blood supply and eliminating escaping cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumor progression involves primary tumors and circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- Current treatments often overlook CTCs, leading to metastasis.
- A novel approach is needed to target both tumor
- Purpose of the Study
- Main Methods
- Main Results
- Conclusions
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional 3D scaffold for localized cancer therapy.
- To simultaneously inhibit primary tumors and eliminate CTCs.
- To prevent tumor metastasis by targeting both tumor "root" and "seeds".
Main Methods:
- Design of a 3D scaffold with macropores, photothermal ability, and bioaffinity.
- Implantation of the scaffold upstream and downstream of the primary tumor in a rabbit model.
- Evaluation of CTC interception, tumor embolization, photothermal killing, biosafety, CTC scavenging rate, tumor inhibition rate, and CTC killing efficiency.
Main Results:
- The scaffold demonstrated excellent biosafety in rabbit experiments.
- Achieved an 86% circulating tumor cell (CTC) scavenging rate.
- Demonstrated a 99% tumor inhibition rate and 100% CTC killing efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The multifunctional 3D scaffold effectively inhibits primary tumors and eliminates CTCs.
- This approach offers a synergistic strategy for localized cancer therapy.
- The scaffold shows potential for high antitumor efficacy with minimal side effects.
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