The emerging role of cancer nanotechnology in the panorama of sarcoma

Abstract

In the field of nanomedicine a multitude of nanovectors have been developed for cancer application. In this regard, a less exploited target is represented by connective tissue. Sarcoma lesions encompass a wide range of rare entities of mesenchymal origin affecting connective tissues. The extraordinary diversity and rarity of these mesenchymal tumors is reflected in their classification, grading and management which are still challenging. Although they include more than 70 histologic subtypes, the first line-treatment for advanced and metastatic sarcoma has remained unchanged in the last fifty years, excluding specific histotypes in which targeted therapy has emerged. The role of chemotherapy has not been completely elucidated and the outcomes are still very limited. At the beginning of the century, nano-sized particles clinically approved for other solid lesions were tested in these neoplasms but the results were anecdotal and the clinical benefit was not substantial. Recently, a new nanosystem formulation NBTXR3 for the treatment of sarcoma has landed in a phase 2-3 trial. The preliminary results are encouraging and could open new avenues for research in nanotechnology. This review provides an update on the recent advancements in the field of nanomedicine for sarcoma. In this regard, preclinical evidence especially focusing on the development of smart materials and drug delivery systems will be summarized. Moreover, the sarcoma patient management exploiting nanotechnology products will be summed up. Finally, an overlook on future perspectives will be provided.

Improving anti-tumor efficacy of low-dose Vincristine in rhabdomyosarcoma via the combination therapy with FOXM1 inhibitor RCM1

“…To make RCM1 administration more clinically relevant, we synthesized amphiphilic poly-beta amino ester (aPBAE) nanoparticles to use as a vehicle for RCM1 delivery. Nanoparticles have been used as a vehicle in the clinic for hydrophobic drugs like paclitaxel, as well as other RMS therapeutics like doxorubicin, and can be administered intravenously for several cancer types ( 60 , 61 ). The aPBAE is one of the polymers that is used in generating nanoparticles and has recently attracted enormous attention in gene or drug delivery due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability ( 62 ).…”

In Vitro Studies of Pegylated Magnetite Nanoparticles in a Cellular Model of Viral Oncogenesis: Initial Studies to Evaluate Their Potential as a Future Theranostic Tool

“…Furthermore, only one report compared the effects of pegylated liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and liposomal daunorubicin on the treatment of advanced-stage Kaposi’s sarcoma; unfortunately, and because of the power of the study, there is no sufficient evidence of the efficacy of these treatments [ 40 ]. More recently, strategies to delivery chemotherapeutic drugs used for sarcoma treatment have been developed [ 41 ]. One strategy is focus on the development of paclitaxel nanocrystal formulation to improve the water solubility properties of this hydrophobic drug [ 42 ].…”

New therapeutics for soft tissue sarcomas: Overview of current immunotherapy and future directions of soft tissue sarcomas

“…In recent years, nanotechnology has shown potential in sarcoma treatment thanks to the development of smart materials and more effective drug delivery systems. Examples include effective docetaxel-loaded mPEG-PLA nanoparticles in sarcoma-bearing mice and albumin-paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel/Abraxane™) in osteosarcoma mice ( 76 – 78 ). ( 79 ) Only four nano-drug delivery systems have been FDA-approved for sarcoma - Doxil (Caelyx) ® for AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, DaunoXome ® and Lipo-Dox ® for Kaposi’s sarcoma and Liposomal mifamurtide (MEPACT) for Osteosarcoma.…”