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Published on: September 27, 2024
The Potential of Chronotherapy and Nanotherapy-Based Strategies for Glioblastoma Treatment
Ana Raquel Neves1, Rafael Mineiro1, Telma Quintela1,2
1RISE-Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumour in adults, and despite ongoing efforts, effective treatment remains limited. Standard therapies often face challenges because of the tumour's specific biology, its aggressive nature, and the presence of certain physiological barriers in the brain that impede chemotherapeutics from reaching their target. Emerging research in circadian biology highlights the role of the internal circadian clock in tumour progression and treatment response. Evidence suggests that aligning therapy to patients' chronotypes could potentially improve treatment outcomes. At the same time, advances in nanotechnology-including functionalized nanoparticles for drug and/or gene delivery-show promising results while reducing side effects. Additionally, evolving and prominent artificial intelligence tools may significantly contribute to progress in the design of next-generation personalised therapies. This review provides a unique and integrative perspective by examining the hurdles in treating GB and exploring innovative strategies, such as the integration of nanotechnology into chronotherapy protocols, to enhance therapeutic efficacy. The Chronobiology-Nanotechnology combination could not only improve GB patients' survival rates but also lead to a more effective and less toxic personalised approach, distinguishing this work from previous reviews.
Insights
Glioblastoma treatment faces challenges due to brain barriers and tumor biology. Integrating nanotechnology with chronotherapy, guided by circadian rhythms, offers a promising personalized approach to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Chronobiology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited effective treatments.
- Standard therapies are hindered by tumor biology and brain physiological barriers.
- Circadian biology and nanotechnology offer potential advancements for glioblastoma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review challenges in glioblastoma (GB) treatment.
- To explore innovative strategies combining chronotherapy and nanotechnology.
- To highlight the potential of personalized therapies integrating these approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on glioblastoma treatment challenges.
- Analysis of circadian biology's role in tumor progression and treatment response.
- Examination of nanotechnology applications for drug/gene delivery in cancer therapy.
- Exploration of artificial intelligence in personalized therapy design.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms influence glioblastoma progression and treatment efficacy.
- Nanotechnology offers targeted drug delivery with reduced side effects.
- Personalized chronotherapy, informed by patient chronotypes, may improve outcomes.
- Artificial intelligence can aid in designing next-generation personalized therapies.
Conclusions:
- Integrating nanotechnology with chronotherapy presents a novel strategy for glioblastoma.
- This combination has the potential to improve patient survival rates.
- A personalized, chronobiology-nanotechnology approach promises more effective and less toxic treatments for glioblastoma.
