Combining Nanocarrier-Assisted Delivery of Molecules and Radiotherapy

Abstract

Cancer is responsible for a significant proportion of death all over the world. Therefore, strategies to improve its treatment are highly desired. The use of nanocarriers to deliver anticancer treatments has been extensively investigated and improved since the approval of the first liposomal formulation for cancer treatment in 1995. Radiotherapy (RT) is present in the disease management strategy of around 50% of cancer patients. In the present review, we bring the state-of-the-art information on the combination of nanocarrier-assisted delivery of molecules and RT. We start with formulations designed to encapsulate single or multiple molecules that, once delivered to the tumor site, act directly on the cells to improve the effects of RT. Then, we describe formulations designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment by delivering oxygen or to boost the abscopal effect. Finally, we present how RT can be employed to trigger molecule delivery from nanocarriers or to modulate the EPR effect.

Tumor-Targeted Perfluorinated Micelles as Efficient Theranostic Agents Combining Positron Emission Tomography and Radiosensitization

“…The main ones are (i) the normalization of the tumor vasculature to restore sufficient blood supply; (ii) the increase of oxygen in the bloodstream by the use of external sources (e.g. microbubbles); (iii) the use of nanoparticles incorporating O 2 -generating peroxides or exhibiting catalase-like activity; , (iv) the use of carrier systems to transport oxygen from the blood to the tumor tissue …”

Enhancing the Inhibition of Breast Cancer Growth Through Synergistic Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment Using Combined Nano-Delivery Systems

“…Suitable nanocarriers could improve drug solubility, extend circulation duration, achieve sustained drug release, and enhance the safety and bioavailability of drugs. 34,35 Due to abundant CD44 receptor expression of breast cancer cells and CAFs surfaces, 36,37 chondroitin sulfate (CS) was used as a targeting component to improve drug internalization by CS-CD44 receptormediated endocytosis. 38 Considering the acidic environment within the tumor, pH-sensitive liposomes (CLPs) coencapsulated with Ber and Ru486 were prepared.…”

Engineered nanomaterials trigger abscopal effect in immunotherapy of metastatic cancers

“…These inflammatory overreactions typically induce dermatitis, colitis, and thyroiditis, but they also cause rarer conditions with high mortality, such as myocarditis, myositis, and encephalitis (Hommes et al, 2021). Hence, irAEs are a major obstacle to the widespread use of cancer immunotherapy (Li et al, 2020a;Gomes and Franco, 2022). Nanomaterials provide new opportunities for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and reducing its adverse reactions.…”