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Selenium-Based Nanoplatforms: An Emerging Theranostic Paradigm for Gynecological Cancers
Hejing Liu1, Yujia Zhou1, Zihan Zhang1
1Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Gynecological Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Gynecological cancers present significant therapeutic challenges due to heterogeneity, drug resistance, and the lack of precise diagnostic tools. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element with intrinsic anticancer activity, has emerged as a promising candidate. Numerous epidemiological studies have confirmed a significant inverse correlation between selenium level and the risk of gynecological cancers' development, and a low selenium status portends a poorer prognosis. Of note, the value of selenium extends beyond as the potential biomarker that selenium supplementation acts as both a chemopreventive agent and a therapeutic adjuvant in oncology. However, the current understanding of the mechanism of various forms of selenium in the treatment of gynecological cancers remains insufficient. Therefore, this review firstly summarizes the advances of various selenium species (inorganic, organic, and selenium-based nanoparticles) for the treatment of gynecological cancers. Among these, selenium-based nanoparticles have become a potential candidate for the treatment of gynecological cancers due to their higher bioavailability, better anticancer activity, and lower toxicity. This review systematically highlights their multifaceted therapeutic mechanisms and the applications in cancer diagnosis and imaging. As the platforms that converge diverse treatment modalities with diagnostic functions, Se-based nanoparticles provide new insights into the therapeutic and early diagnosis applications in gynecological cancers.
Insights
Selenium (Se) shows promise for treating gynecological cancers. Selenium-based nanoparticles offer enhanced bioavailability and lower toxicity, advancing cancer therapy and early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Trace Element Research
Background:
- Gynecological cancers pose significant treatment challenges due to heterogeneity and drug resistance.
- Epidemiological studies link lower selenium levels to increased gynecological cancer risk and poorer prognosis.
- Selenium's potential as a biomarker, chemopreventive agent, and therapeutic adjuvant in oncology is recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in using various selenium species for gynecological cancer treatment.
- To highlight the therapeutic mechanisms and applications of selenium-based nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and imaging.
- To explore the potential of selenium-based nanoparticles for early diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on selenium species in gynecological cancer therapy.
- Analysis of studies focusing on inorganic, organic, and selenium-based nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of research on therapeutic mechanisms, bioavailability, toxicity, and diagnostic applications.
Main Results:
- Selenium-based nanoparticles demonstrate superior bioavailability, anticancer activity, and reduced toxicity compared to other forms.
- Selenium-based nanoparticles exhibit multifaceted therapeutic mechanisms relevant to gynecological cancers.
- These nanoparticles show potential for integrated cancer diagnosis and imaging.
Conclusions:
- Selenium-based nanoparticles represent a promising therapeutic strategy for gynecological cancers.
- Their unique properties offer new avenues for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
- Further research into selenium-based nanoparticles can provide novel insights for gynecological cancer management.
