Nanomedicine approaches for treatment of hematologic and oncologic malignancies

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Nowadays, the therapies are inadequate and spur demand for improved technologies. Rapid growth in nanotechnology and novel nanomedicine products represents an opportunity to achieve sophisticated targeting strategies and multi-functionality. Nanomedicine is increasingly used to develop new cancer diagnosis and treatment methods since this technology can modulate the biodistribution and the target site accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby reducing their toxicity. Cancer nanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy are two parallel themes that have emerged over the last few decades while searching for a cure for cancer. Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment, as it can achieve unprecedented responses in advanced-stage patients, including complete cures and long-term survival. A deeper understanding of the human immune system allows the establishment of combination regimens in which immunotherapy is combined with other treatment modalities (as in the case of the nanodrug Ferumoxytol). Furthermore, the combination of gene therapy approaches with nanotechnology that aims to silence or express cancer-relevant genes via one-time treatment is gradually progressing from bench to bedside. The most common example includes lipid-based nanoparticles that target VEGF-Α and KRAS pathways. This review focuses on nanoparticle-based platforms utilized in recent advances aiming to increase the efficacy of currently available cancer therapies. The insights provided and the evidence obtained in this paper indicate a bright future ahead for immuno-oncology applications of engineering nanomedicines.

Unveiling the Yin-Yang Balance of M1 and M2 Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Role of Exosomes in Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Modulation

“…Various types of nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, and iron oxide nanoparticles, can be engineered to carry both imaging agents and therapeutic payloads [ 146 , 147 , 148 ]. These nanosystems enable non-invasive imaging of HCC lesions, including early-stage tumors and metastases, providing real-time information for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response [ 149 , 150 ]. Furthermore, nanotheranostics can be designed to selectively accumulate in HCC cells or the tumor microenvironment, allowing for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapy drugs or gene therapies, directly to the tumor site while minimizing off-target effects [ 150 ].…”

“…These nanosystems enable non-invasive imaging of HCC lesions, including early-stage tumors and metastases, providing real-time information for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response [ 149 , 150 ]. Furthermore, nanotheranostics can be designed to selectively accumulate in HCC cells or the tumor microenvironment, allowing for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapy drugs or gene therapies, directly to the tumor site while minimizing off-target effects [ 150 ]. Additionally, nanotheranostics can be tailored to respond to specific tumor characteristics or stimuli, such as pH, temperature, or enzymatic activity, enabling controlled release of therapeutics within the ΤΜΕ [ 151 , 152 ].…”