Nanomedicine targets iron metabolism for cancer therapy

Abstract

Iron is an essential element for cell proliferation and homeostasis by engaging in cell metabolism including DNA synthesis, cell cycle, and redox cycling; however, iron overload could contribute to tumor initiation, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, manipulating iron metabolisms, such as using iron chelators, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) Abs, and cytotoxic ligands conjugated to transferrin, has become a considerable strategy for cancer therapy. However, there remain major limitations for potential translation to the clinic based on the regulation of iron metabolism in cancer treatment. Nanotechnology has made great advances for cancer treatment by improving the therapeutic potential and lowering the side‐effects of the proved drugs and those under various stages of development. Early studies that combined nanotechnology with therapeutic means for the regulation of iron metabolism have shown certain promise for developing specific treatment options based on the intervention of cancer iron acquisition, transportation, and utilization. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of iron metabolism involved in cancer and review the recent advances in iron‐regulatory nanotherapeutics for improved cancer therapy. We also envision the future development of nanotherapeutics for improved treatment for certain types of cancers.

AgNPs Aggravated Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Epigenetic Changes in Mice With NAFLD Induced by HFD

“…With the rapid development of nanotechnology over the recent decades, engineered nanomaterials have been explored in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery, molecular diagnosing, medical imaging, and disease therapy ( Zhao et al, 2020 ; Qin et al, 2021 ; Lin et al, 2022 ), which bring tremendous benefits to humans. The liver is the primary organ in metabolizing, biotransformation, and detoxifying drugs and exogenous substances, including nanoparticles.…”

5‑Aminolevurinic acid inhibits the proliferation of bladder cancer cells by activating heme synthesis

“…The expression of ferritin was weaker in the mice treated with 5-ALA than in those not treated with 5-ALA. Additionally, the expression of PCNA, which is specific to the S phase in cells, and not survivin, which is specific to the G2/M phase in cells, was higher in the mice treated with 5-ALA. Ferritin is a form of stored iron ( 1 , 6 ), and a decrease in ferritin results in a shortage of iron in bladder cancer cells. Therefore, the results of the in vivo study were consistent with those of the in vitro study.…”

“…Seligman et al ( 5 ) reported that bladder cancer cellular proliferation was dependent on iron. Therefore, chelating iron, such as desferrioxamine (DFO), has been evaluated for its antitumor effects ( 1 , 6 ), including in bladder cancer ( 5 ). Seligman et al ( 5 ) demonstrated that DFO inhibited proliferation of bladder cancer cells.…”

“…Seligman et al ( 5 ) demonstrated that DFO inhibited proliferation of bladder cancer cells. Although iron chelators have shown great potential in preclinical cancer models ( 6 ), they can cause adverse side-effects, such as infection and gastrointestinal bleeding ( 7 ). Therefore, these challenges must be overcome to improve the therapeutical efficacy of iron chelators for tumor treatment ( 7 ).…”

Lipid Metabolism Regulation Based on Nanotechnology for Enhancement of Tumor Immunity

“…The targeting lipid metabolism via nanotechnology provides a potential strategy to improve cancer therapy by regulating immune-metabolic signals. Although nanomedicines have been explored for tumor metabolism regulation (e.g., glycolysis and iron metabolism) ( Wang et al, 2019 ; Lin et al, 2021 ), it is still an infant field of applying nanotechnology for lipid metabolism regulation for immunotherapy.…”