Targeting prostate cancer through reactive oxygen species: Advances in photothermal and sonodynamic therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanomedicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) presents significant challenges in treatment efficacy, resistance, and recurrence.
• Cancer cells' susceptibility to oxidative stress opens avenues for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based therapeutic strategies.
• Photothermal therapy (PTT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) are emerging nanotechnology-based approaches for localized ROS generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in ROS-mediated PTT and SDT for prostate cancer treatment.
• To emphasize the role of nanomaterial design and functionalization in enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
• To explore the potential of combining PTT and SDT with other cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on nanotechnology applications in PTT and SDT for PCa.
• Analysis of nanomaterial strategies for improved targeting, drug delivery, and overcoming tumor hypoxia.
• Examination of synergistic effects when combining PTT/SDT with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Nanomaterial design and functionalization are crucial for precise targeting and overcoming tumor hypoxia in PCa.
• Combined PTT and SDT with other therapies demonstrate synergistic effects, potentially overcoming treatment resistance.
• Preclinical studies show effective tumor eradication and immune activation with minimal toxicity.

Conclusions:

• ROS-mediated PTT and SDT, enhanced by nanotechnology, offer a promising therapeutic avenue for prostate cancer.
• Combination strategies show potential for overcoming resistance and eliciting systemic antitumor immunity.
• Further translational research and clinical trials are necessary for integrating these approaches into standard PCa care.