<p>A temperature-sensitive phase-change hydrogel of tamoxifen achieves the long-acting antitumor activation on breast cancer cells</p>

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the foremost threats to female health nowadays. Tamoxifen, an antagonist of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), is the first choice for endocrine-dependent breast cancer (ERα-positive breast cancer) treatment. However, ERα has an important function in the normal physical regulation of estrogen, and current oral administration of tamoxifen has potential side effects on normal endocrine secretion. In the present work, we aim to develop novel approaches to increase the antitumor effect of tamoxifen on breast cancer cells and decrease the potential side effects in the human body during treatment. Methods: A temperature-sensitive phase-change hydrogel for tamoxifen (Tam-Gel) was generated. After establishing subcutaneous tumors formed by MCF-7, an ERα-positive breast cancer cell line, in nude mice, an intratumoral injection of Tam-Gel was performed to examine whether Tam-Gel facilitated the slow-release or antitumor effect of tamoxifen. A metastatic breast cancer model was established using the intrahepatic growth of MCF-7 cells in immunodeficient rats. Results: Tam-Gel can transform from liquid to hydrogel at room temperature. An intratumoral injection of Tam-Gel facilitated the slow-release or antitumor effect of tamoxifen. Once Tam-Gel, but not Tam-Sol, was administered by intratumoral injection, it significantly decreased the uptake of radionuclide probes ( 18 F-fluoroestradiol or 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose) by cells in rats’ livers and the intrahepatic growth of MCF-7 cells in rats’ livers. Conclusion: A novel slow-release system was successfully prepared to facilitate the long-term release of tamoxifen in breast cancer tissues, and achieved an antitumor effect in the long term.

MicroRNA-3163 targets ADAM-17 and enhances the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to molecular targeted agents

“…Hepatic portal vein injection was used to inoculate HCC cells into the liver of nude mice, simulating the recurrence or metastasis of HCC cells in patients. In addition Meng et al [70][71][72] established a research model for the invasion of malignant tumor cells in the liver of nude mice. Li et al 73 developed a breast cancer lung metastasis model in nude mice.…”

<p>A temperature-sensitive phase-change hydrogel of topotecan achieves a long-term sustained antitumor effect on retinoblastoma cells</p>

“…Furthermore, Li et al produced a systematic summary and introduction for the design of hydrogels targeting controlled drug delivery 51,52. Meng et al prepared a temperature-sensitive phase-change hydrogel of tamoxifen achieving long sustainability of agru in tumor tissues and a long-acting antitumor effect 48,53. Studies are warranted to examine the differences between hydrogels prepared using different materials.…”

<p>Chelidonine enhances the antitumor effect of lenvatinib on hepatocellular carcinoma cells</p>

“…Following the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice, the tumor tissues were harvested, and micro-blocks of tumor tissues were prepared (Table 4). Subsequently, the micro-blocks were injected into the liver of nude mice 35–38. The mice received oral administration of agents 4–5 days after injection of the tumor tissue micro-blocks.…”