Fucoidan-based nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy: Mechanisms and preclinical insights

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Current treatments face limitations, driving the need for targeted and less toxic approaches.
• Fucoidan, a seaweed-derived polysaccharide, possesses anticancer properties but requires formulation for enhanced efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of fucoidan-functionalized nanoparticles in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy.
• To explore fucoidan's function as a colon-specific drug delivery system and an intrinsic antineoplastic agent.
• To assess the potential and challenges of fucoidan-based nanotherapeutics for CRC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on fucoidan-based nanoparticles for CRC treatment.
• Analysis of fucoidan's targeting mechanisms (P-selectin-mediated, receptor-specific).
• Evaluation of fucoidan's intrinsic anticancer activities (apoptosis induction, anti-angiogenesis, immune modulation).

Main Results:

• Fucoidan nanoparticles enhance drug solubility and tumor targeting in CRC.
• Fucoidan acts as a targeting ligand and an active therapeutic agent against cancer cells.
• Combination therapy with fucoidan nanoparticles shows synergistic anticancer effects and reduced toxicity.
• Fucoidan nanoparticles demonstrate potential in inducing apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis, and modulating immune responses in CRC models.

Conclusions:

• Fucoidan-functionalized nanoparticles offer a promising dual-action strategy for colorectal cancer therapy.
• Addressing challenges in fucoidan composition standardization and characterization is crucial for clinical translation.
• Further development is essential to realize the full therapeutic potential of fucoidan-based nanomedicines for CRC.