Multicomponent, Tumor-Homing Chitosan Nanoparticles for Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Abstract

Current clinical methods for cancer diagnosis and therapy have limitations, although survival periods are increasing as medical technologies develop. In most cancer cases, patient survival is closely related to cancer stage. Late-stage cancer after metastasis is very challenging to cure because current surgical removal of cancer is not precise enough and significantly affects bystander normal tissues. Moreover, the subsequent chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect not only malignant tumors, but also healthy tissues. Nanotechnologies for cancer treatment have the clear objective of solving these issues. Nanoparticles have been developed to more accurately differentiate early-stage malignant tumors and to treat only the tumors while dramatically minimizing side effects. In this review, we focus on recent chitosan-based nanoparticles developed with the goal of accurate cancer imaging and effective treatment. Regarding imaging applications, we review optical and magnetic resonance cancer imaging in particular. Regarding cancer treatments, we review various therapeutic methods that use chitosan-based nanoparticles, including chemo-, gene, photothermal, photodynamic and magnetic therapies.

An Overview of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Its Application in Non-Parenteral Drug Delivery

“…A chitosan-based nasal formulation of morphine (Rylomine TM ) is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials (UK and EU) and Phase 3 clinical trials in the U.S. We anticipate that when it reaches the market it will pave way for similar products in the near future as well as assist in discerning any unanticipated effects in humans [120]. And, while not specifically addressed herein, we look forward to additional advances in the use of chitosan nanoparticles in targeted cancer theranostics, dermatologic applications and targeted parenteral drug delivery systems [121,122,123,124]. With the advent of new strategies in overcoming the limitations of chitosan by improved formulation methods for a wider variety of drugs and even macromolecules, we expect to see more chitosan research work in near future, especially in nasal and pulmonary drug delivery.…”

A journey through the emergence of nanomedicines with poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) based nanoparticles

“…These nanoparticles are still investigated by several groups as potential carriers for peptides and nucleic acids and have raised interests beyond pharmaceutical applications [Sarmento et al, 2006, Hamidi et al, 2008, Ahmad et al, 2010, Venkatesen et al, 2016, Lopes et al, 2017, He et al, 2018, Mulhopadhyway et al, 2018. The methodological approach developed to prepare these hydrogel-based nanoparticles inspired those used later to obtain chitosan-based nanoparticles [Calvo et al, 1997, Sarmento et al, 2007, Li et al, 2008 another type of nanoparticles currently considered to achieve peptides and small fragments of nucleic acids delivery [miRNA, siRNA...] delivery [Calvo et al, 1997, Li et al, 2008, Garcia-Fuente and Alonso, 2012, Vauthier et al, 2013, Islam and Ferro, 2016, Venkatesen et al, 2016, Key and Park, 2017, Mokhtarzadeh et al, 2017]. Then, Patrick Couvreur has contributed to the invention of a method of fabrication of hydrogel-based nanoparticles through the formation of a complex between two polymers by a key-lock like system.…”

Chitosan is a potential inhibitor of ovarian cancer: Molecular aspects

“…Furthermore, it is possible to diagnose malignant tumors in the early stages with the help of NPs . Chitosan is a carrier in NPs, which is used as a drug delivery agent with a variety of administration options .…”

“…16 On the other hand, these kinds of treatment (radiation/chemotherapy) have impacts on malignant tumors besides the healthy tissues. 17 Considering these pieces of information together, there is a necessity for discovering new diagnosis and treatment methods for this type of cancer. The pathological stage of ovarian cancer is the determinant of which treatment method should be used.…”

“…23 Furthermore, it is possible to diagnose malignant tumors in the early stages with the help of NPs. 17 Chitosan is a carrier in NPs, which is used as a drug delivery agent with a variety of administration options. 24 Research has shown that NPs, which are based on chitosan, are applicable in the delivery of nonparenteral drugs used in various diseases, including cancers, gastrointestinal tract diseases, pulmonary disease, and infections of the brain and eye.…”