Unleashing novel horizons in advanced prostate cancer treatment: investigating the potential of prostate specific membrane antigen-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy with increasing incidence in middle-aged and older men. Despite various treatment options, advanced metastatic PCa remains challenging with poor prognosis and limited effective therapies. Nanomedicine, with its targeted drug delivery capabilities, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) stands as one of the most distinctive and highly selective biomarkers for PCa, exhibiting robust expression in PCa cells. In this review, we explore the applications of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in advanced PCa management. Our primary objective is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge nanomedicine research and clinical practice, making it accessible to the medical community. We discuss mainstream treatment strategies for advanced PCa, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, in the context of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines. Additionally, we elucidate novel treatment concepts such as photodynamic and photothermal therapies, along with nano-theragnostics. We present the content in a clear and accessible manner, appealing to general physicians, including those with limited backgrounds in biochemistry and bioengineering. The review emphasizes the potential benefits of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in enhancing treatment efficiency and improving patient outcomes. While the use of PSMA-targeted nano-drug delivery has demonstrated promising results, further investigation is required to comprehend the precise mechanisms of action, pharmacotoxicity, and long-term outcomes. By meticulous optimization of the combination of nanomedicines and PSMA ligands, a novel horizon of PSMA-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy could bring renewed hope for patients with advanced PCa.

Revisiting the standards of cancer detection and therapy alongside their comparison to modern methods

“…Nanotechnological vesicles with a size of < 100 nm are being used for drug and probe delivery to tumor cells. The process includes the formation of the nanostructure, surface modification of the nanocarrier (to target cancer cells), transportation of the nanocarrier, and release of the drug in the target site or binding with the attached probe[ 208 ]. For safe and effective therapy, it is necessary to target cancer cells specifically.…”

Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation

“…GLS is divided into two isoforms: GLS1 and GLS2. GLS1 is mainly located in the cytoplasm, while GLS2 is located in the mitochondria ( 125 – 127 ). GLS1 and GLS2 catalyze the conversion of Gln to Glu ( 128 , 129 ).…”

PSMA-Targeted Therapy: Advancements in Detection and Treatment Modalities with Dr. Scott T. Tagawa

“…By delivering high doses of drugs or radionuclides directly to PSMA-expressing cancer cells, this approach minimizes the damage to surrounding healthy tissues, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes. The versatility of PSMAtargeted therapy is further underlined by its potential for combination with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, radiosensitizers, immunotherapy, and PSMA-targeted nanomedicines, suggesting a multifaceted strategy to combat prostate cancer [6].…”