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Nanosensitizer-assisted sonodynamic therapy for breast cancer
Jing Yu1, Jun-Rui Hu2, Yi Tian1
1Department of Medical Ultrasound, China Resources & Wisco General Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430080, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Despite advancements in therapeutic modalities, its prognosis remains poor owing to complex clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising approach for tumor elimination, using sonosensitizers that preferentially accumulate in tumor tissues and are activated by low-intensity ultrasound to produce reactive oxygen species. However, the clinical translation of SDT faces challenges, including the limited efficiency of sonosensitizers and resistance posed by the tumor microenvironment. The emergence of nanomedicine offers innovative strategies to address these obstacles. This review discusses strategies for enhancing the efficacy of SDT using sonosensitizers, including rational structural modifications, improved tumor-targeted enrichment, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and imaging-guided therapy. Additionally, SDT-based multimodal therapies, such as sono-chemotherapy, sono-immunotherapy, and sono-photodynamic therapy, and their potential applications in breast cancer treatment are summarized. The underlying mechanisms of SDT in breast cancer are briefly outlined. Finally, this review highlights current challenges and prospects for the clinical translation of SDT, providing insights into future advancements that may improve therapeutic outcomes for breast cancer.
Insights
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) shows promise for breast cancer treatment. Nanomedicine strategies can enhance SDT efficacy by improving sonosensitizers and overcoming tumor resistance for better clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading global cancer with poor prognosis due to complex characteristics.
- Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) utilizes sonosensitizers and ultrasound to generate reactive oxygen species for tumor elimination.
- Clinical translation of SDT is hindered by sonosensitizer efficiency and tumor microenvironment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for enhancing sonodynamic therapy (SDT) efficacy in breast cancer.
- To explore nanomedicine approaches for improving sonosensitizer performance and overcoming tumor resistance.
- To summarize SDT-based multimodal therapies and their potential in breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nanomedicine strategies for SDT enhancement.
- Discussion of structural modifications and targeted enrichment of sonosensitizers.
- Analysis of tumor microenvironment remodeling and imaging-guided SDT.
- Summary of SDT combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy.
Main Results:
- Nanomedicine offers solutions to enhance sonosensitizer efficiency and tumor targeting.
- Strategies include rational structural modifications, improved tumor accumulation, and microenvironment remodeling.
- Multimodal therapies like sono-chemotherapy and sono-immunotherapy show potential for breast cancer.
- Imaging guidance can improve the precision and efficacy of SDT.
Conclusions:
- Nanomedicine-enhanced SDT presents a promising therapeutic avenue for breast cancer.
- Overcoming tumor microenvironment resistance is crucial for successful SDT clinical translation.
- Future research should focus on addressing current challenges for improved breast cancer treatment outcomes.
