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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
CD133-targeted afatinib nanomicelles for enhanced lung cancer theranostics
Dewen Leng1,2,3, Kai Cao4, Qiang Hao4
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Aims:
To develop a novel nanomicelle system to target and eradicate CD133-expressing lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) while imaging lung cancer.
Methods:
Averatinib nanomicelles with CD133 aptamers incorporated with gadolinium imaging reagents (M-Afa&Gd-CD133) were synthesized. The anticancer and imaging activities of M-Afa&Gd-CD133 were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.
Results:
M-Afa&Gd-CD133 efficiently targeted CD133+ lung CSCs and showed significant antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, M-Afa&Gd-CD33, as a T1 contrast agent, offers superior and sustained visualization of tumors over an extended period.
Conclusion:
M-Afa&Gd-CD133 represents a promising strategy for the theranostics of lung cancer.
Insights
This study introduces a new nanomicelle system for lung cancer theranostics. The novel system effectively targets and eliminates CD133-expressing lung cancer stem cells and provides advanced tumor imaging.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) expressing CD133 are implicated in tumor recurrence and metastasis.
- Targeted therapies are crucial for eradicating CSCs and improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel nanomicelle system for targeted lung cancer therapy and imaging.
- To specifically target and eliminate CD133-expressing lung cancer stem cells (CSCs).
- To assess the theranostic potential of the developed nanomicelle system.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Averatinib nanomicelles incorporating CD133 aptamers and gadolinium imaging reagents (M-Afa&Gd-CD133).
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the anticancer and imaging activities of M-Afa&Gd-CD133.
- Assessment of targeting efficiency towards CD133+ lung CSCs.
Main Results:
- M-Afa&Gd-CD133 demonstrated efficient targeting of CD133+ lung CSCs.
- Significant antitumor efficacy was observed both in vitro and in vivo.
- M-Afa&Gd-CD133 served as an effective T1 contrast agent, providing superior and sustained tumor visualization.
Conclusions:
- M-Afa&Gd-CD133 nanomicelles represent a promising theranostic strategy for lung cancer.
- The system offers dual functionality for targeted cancer stem cell eradication and enhanced tumor imaging.
- This approach holds potential for improving lung cancer treatment and diagnosis.
