A Comprehensive Review on Novel Therapies for Gastrointestinal Cancers using Translational Platforms

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including gastric cancer, represent a significant global health burden with poor prognoses due to late detection and treatment resistance.
• Current therapeutic options for GI cancers are often limited by systemic toxicity and lack of targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review novel therapeutic strategies combining nanotechnology, immunotherapy, and advanced drug delivery systems for GI cancers.
• To analyze the potential and challenges of these emerging treatments in improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on nanoparticles (polymeric, metallic), immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines), oncolytic viral therapy, and bacteria-based treatments.
• Analysis of drug delivery systems like liposomes and micelles for enhanced pharmacokinetics and targeted drug release.
• Critical evaluation of strengths, challenges (bioavailability, toxicity, clinical translation), and strategies for overcoming barriers.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles enhance drug stability, solubility, and targeting, reducing systemic toxicity.
• Immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy show promise in re-engaging the immune system against cancer.
• Advanced drug delivery systems (liposomes, micelles) improve therapeutic efficacy through controlled, site-specific drug release.

Conclusions:

• Combining nanotechnology with immunotherapy and targeted treatments holds transformative potential for managing gastric and other GI cancers.
• Overcoming challenges in bioavailability, toxicity, and clinical translation is crucial for successful implementation.
• Further research and optimization of these platforms are essential for global patient benefit.