An Up-to-Date Review of Natural Nanoparticles for Cancer Management

Cancer represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an urgent need to develop more efficient treatment alternatives. In this respect, much attention has been drawn from conventional cancer treatments to more modern approaches, such as the use of nanotechnology. Extensive research has been done for designing innovative nanoparticles able to specifically target tumor cells and ensure the controlled release of anticancer agents. To avoid the potential toxicity of synthetic materials, natural nanoparticles started to attract increasing scientific interest. In this context, this paper aims to review the most important natural nanoparticles used as active ingredients (e.g., polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and sterol-like compounds) or as carriers (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, viral nanoparticles, and exosomes) of various anticancer moieties, focusing on their recent applications in treating diverse malignancies.

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Current Studies of Aspirin as an Anticancer Agent and Strategies to Strengthen its Therapeutic Application in Cancer

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666201102101758 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

Author(s):

Phuong H.L. Tran ◽

Beom-Jin Lee ◽

Thao T.D. Tran

Keyword(s):

Anticancer Agent ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Aspirin Therapy ◽

Therapeutic Application ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Anticancer Properties ◽

Cancer Management ◽

Risk Of Bleeding ◽

The Past ◽

Inflammatory Drugs

: Aspirin has emerged as a promising intervention in cancer in the past decade. However, there are existing controversies regarding the anticancer properties of aspirin as its mechanism of action has not been clearly defined. In addition, the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract from aspirin is another consideration that requires medical and pharmaceutical scientists to work together to develop more potent and safe aspirin therapy in cancer. This review presents the most recent studies of aspirin with regard to its role in cancer prevention and treatment demonstrated by highlighted clinical trials, mechanisms of action as well as approaches to develop aspirin therapy best beneficial to cancer patients. Hence, this review provides readers with an overview of aspirin research in cancer that covers not only the unique features of aspirin, which differentiates aspirin from other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but also strategies that can be used in the development of drug delivery systems carrying aspirin for cancer management. These studies convey optimistic messages on continuing efforts of scientist on the way of developing an effective therapy for even patients with a low response to current cancer treatments.

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In Search of Effective Anticancer Agents—Novel Sugar Esters Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoate Monomers

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22137238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 7238

Author(s):

Wojciech Snoch ◽

Dawid Wnuk ◽

Tomasz Witko ◽

Jakub Staroń ◽

Andrzej J. Bojarski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anticancer Agents ◽

Prostate Cancer Cell ◽

Fatty Acid Esters ◽

Skin Melanoma ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Sugar Esters ◽

Hydroxylated Fatty Acids ◽

Ic50 Values ◽

Metastatic Process ◽

Acid Esters

Cancer is one of the deadliest illness globally. Searching for new solutions in cancer treatments is essential because commonly used mixed, targeted and personalized therapies are sometimes not sufficient or are too expensive for common patients. Sugar fatty acid esters (SFAEs) are already well-known as promising candidates for an alternative medical tool. The manuscript brings the reader closer to methods of obtaining various SFAEs using combined biological, chemical and enzymatic methods. It presents how modification of SFAE’s hydrophobic chains can influence their cytotoxicity against human skin melanoma and prostate cancer cell lines. The compound’s cytotoxicity was determined by an MTT assay, which followed an assessment of SFAEs’ potential metastatic properties in concentrations below IC50 values. Despite relatively high IC50 values (63.3–1737.6 μM) of the newly synthesized SFAE, they can compete with other sugar esters already described in the literature. The chosen bioactives caused low polymerization of microtubules and the depolymerization of actin filaments in nontoxic levels, which suggest an apoptotic rather than metastatic process. Altogether, cancer cells showed no propensity for metastasis after treating them with SFAE. They confirmed that lactose-based compounds seem the most promising surfactants among tested sugar esters. This manuscript creates a benchmark for creation of novel anticancer agents based on 3-hydroxylated fatty acids of bacterial origin.

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Preferences of Canadian Patients and Physicians for Treatment of HR+/HER2− Advanced Breast Cancer

Current Oncology ◽

10.3390/curroncol28010051 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 491-508

Author(s):

Daniel Stellato ◽

Marroon Thabane ◽

Caitlin Eichten ◽

Thomas E. Delea

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Advanced Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Past Research ◽

Advanced Breast ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Patient Advocacy Group ◽

Treatment Alternatives ◽

E Mail

(1) Background: Past research suggests that patients with advanced breast cancer prefer treatments with improved clinical outcomes and lower risk of side effects. Evidence on preferences of Canadian patients and physicians for treatments for advanced breast cancer is limited. (2) Methods: Patients’ and physicians’ preferences for treatments for HR+/HER2−, pre-/peri-menopausal advanced breast cancer were assessed by an online discrete choice experiment (DCE). Treatment alternatives were characterized by seven attributes regarding dosing, efficacy, and toxicities, with levels corresponding to those for ribociclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI), NSAI, and tamoxifen. For patients, impacts of advanced breast cancer on quality of life (QOL) and ability to work/perform activities of daily living also were assessed. Patients were recruited by a Canadian breast cancer patient advocacy group through email and social media. Physicians were recruited by email. (3) Results: Among 118 patients starting the survey, 23 completed ≥ 1 DCE question (19%). Among 271 physicians who were sent the e-mail invitation, 21 completed ≥ 1 DCE question (8%). For both patients and physicians, the increased probability of remaining alive and without cancer progression over 2 years was the most important attribute. A treatment with attributes consistent with ribociclib plus NSAI was chosen by patients and physicians in 70% and 88% of the time, respectively. A substantial proportion of patients reported worrying about future diagnostic tests and their cancer getting worse; (4) Conclusions: Canadian patients and physicians are generally concordant in preference for advanced breast cancer treatments, preferring ribociclib plus NSAI to other options.

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Investigation of antiproliferative effects of gossypin on lung cancer cell line

10.51271/kmj-0009 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 37-40

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Supportive Therapy ◽

Cancer Cell Line ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Lung Cancer Cell Line ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Mtt Method

Purpose: The rapid growth, morbidity and mortality of lung cancer and the lack of effective treatment have attracted great interest from researchers to find new cancer treatments aimed at the effect of gossypine on cell proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cells. The most used of these products are flavonoids. Gossypin is a potential chemo preventive and therapeutic agent for lung cancer. Material and Method: We investigated the effect of Gossypin anticancer activity on A549 cell proliferation with MTT method, depending on dose and time. In addition, mRNA expression levels of the apoptotic markers caspase-3 (CAS-3) and caspase-9 (CAS-9) were investigated by real-time PCR. In our study, six groups were used as control, gossypin (10, 20, 40 μM), cisplatin 5 μg/mL and cisplatin 5 μg/mL+gossypin 40 μM combine concentrations. The proliferative and antiapoptotic effects of gossypin at 24, 48 and 72 hours were investigated. Results were analyzed and presented as cell viability (%). Results: In our results, it was determined that gossypin especially at a dose of 40 μM and at 72 hours showed almost as much effect on A549 cells, but the highest inhibitory effect was seen in the 40 combined group of cisplatin 5 μg / mL + gossypin. In addition, gossypin caused a significant increase in apoptosis genes (CASP-3, CASP-9) compared to control. Conclusion: Our study showed that gossypin significantly increases the chemosensitivity of cisplatin. Based on this, it is predicted that gossypin can be used as a supportive therapy that increases the effectiveness of anticancer agents. However, more detailed research should be done for this.

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Structure-based molecular insights into matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in cancer treatments

Future Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.4155/fmc-2021-0246 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 00-00

Author(s):

Haili Lin ◽

Peng Xu ◽

Mingdong Huang

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽

Protease Inhibitors ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

Cancer Development ◽

Pharmaceutical Companies ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Metalloproteinase Inhibitors

Protease inhibitors are of considerable interest as anticancer agents. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were the earliest type of proteases considered as anticancer targets. The developments of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) by pharmaceutical companies can be dated from the early 1980s. Thus far, none of the over 50 MMPIs entering clinical trials have been approved. This work summarizes the reported studies on the structure of MMPs and complexes with ligands and inhibitors, based on which, the authors analyzed the clinical failures of MMPIs in a structural biological manner. Furthermore, MMPs were systematically compared with urokinase, a protease-generating plasmin, which plays similar pathological roles in cancer development; the reasons for the clinical successes of urokinase inhibitors and the clinical failures of MMPIs are discussed.

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Meeting Educational Needs and Enhancing Adherence of Patients Receiving Oral Cancer Agents Through Use of the MASCC Oral Agent Teaching Tool©

European Oncology & Haematology ◽

10.17925/eoh.2012.08.02.97 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 08 (02) ◽

pp. 97 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Cynthia N Rittenberg ◽

Keyword(s):

Targeted Therapy ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

Teaching Tool ◽

Oral Agent ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Oral Medications ◽

Oral Agents ◽

Consistent Manner ◽

New Challenges

Just as new discoveries are changing the approach to personalise cancer treatments, the medications to treat cancers have changed as well. Anticancer agents now include cytotoxics, thought of as traditional chemotherapy, and biologics, often referred to as targeted therapy, many of which are formulated as oral agents. This changing model has resulted in new challenges for oncology professionals to ensure that patients receive education in a comprehensive and consistent manner regarding oral agents. In response to published reports and studies citing the adherence and safety problems for people on these oral medications, along with the noted lack of systematic teaching strategies, the MASCC Oral Agent Teaching Tool© (MOATT), issued by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), was designed by oncology nurses to meet the need for a complete and dependable approach to education.

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Peptibody Based on FGFR1-Binding Peptides From the FGF4 Sequence as a Cancer-Targeting Agent

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.748936 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Karolina Jendryczko ◽

Jakub Rzeszotko ◽

Mateusz Adam Krzyscik ◽

Jakub Szymczyk ◽

Jacek Otlewski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Development Strategy ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

High Plasma ◽

Breast Cancers ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors ◽

Multiple Cancer ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Drug Conjugates

Targeted therapies are a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutics targeting specific molecular aberrancies in cancer cells. One of the emerging targets for directed cancer treatments is fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cancer types, specially in lung, bladder, and breast cancers. Here, we are demonstrating the development of the FGFR1-targeting agent based on the interactome screening approach, based on the isolation of binding regions from ligands interacting with the receptor. The parallel analysis by FGFR1 pull-down of chymotryptic peptides coupled with MS analysis, and PepSpot analysis yielded equivalent peptide sequences from FGF4, one of the FGFR1 ligands. Three sequences served as a basis for peptibody (Fc-fusion) generation, to overcome clinical limitations of peptidic agents, and two of them showed favorable FGFR1-binding in vitro and FGFR1-dependent internalization into cells. To validate if developed FGFR1-targeting peptibodies can be used for drug delivery, similar to the well-established concept of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), peptibodyF4_1 was successfully conjugated with monomethylauristatin E (MMAE), and has shown significant and specific toxicity toward FGFR1-expressing lung cancer cell lines, with nanomolar EC50 values. Essentially, the development of new effective FGFR1 binders that comprise the naturally occurring FGFR-recognition peptides and Fc region ensuring high plasma stability, and long bloodstream circulation is an interesting strategy expanding targeted anticancer agents’ portfolio. Furthermore, identifying peptides effectively binding the receptor from sequences of its ligands is not limited to FGFRs and is an approach versatile enough to be a basis for a new peptide/peptibodies development strategy.

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Broad-spectrum survey of medicinal plants as a potential source of anticancer agents

Boletin Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromaticas ◽

10.37360/blacpma.22.21.1.01 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 1-40

Author(s):

K Saranya ◽

◽

V Manivasagan ◽

K Gopi ◽

K Karthik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Division ◽

Side Effects ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

Broad Spectrum ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Potential Source ◽

African Populations ◽

Different Types ◽

Different Parts

Cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells that spreads through cell division. There are different types of medicines available to treat cancers, but no drug is found to be fully effective and safe for humans. The major problem involved in the cancer treatments is the toxicity of the established drug and their side effects. Medicinal plants are used as folk medicines in Asian and African populations for thousands of years. 60% of the drugs for treating cancer are derived from plants. More than 3000 plants have anticancer activity. The present review aims at the study of a broad spectrum survey of plants having anticancer components for different type of cancers. This article consists of 364 medicinal plants and their different parts as potential Source of Anticancer Agents.

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Brassicaceae-Derived Anticancer Agents: Towards a Green Approach to Beat Cancer

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030868 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 868 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Luigi Mandrich ◽

Emilia Caputo

Keyword(s):

Anticancer Agents ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Cancer Therapeutics ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Green Approach ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Brassica Vegetables ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Domestic Processing

Cancer is the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although a large variety of therapeutic approaches have been developed and translated into clinical protocols, the toxic side effects of cancer treatments negatively impact patients, allowing cancer to grow. Brassica metabolites are emerging as new weapons for anti-cancer therapeutics. The beneficial role of the consumption of brassica vegetables, the most-used vegetables in the Mediterranean diet, particularly broccoli, in the prevention of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, has been well-documented. In this review, we discuss the anti-tumor effects of the bioactive compounds from Brassica vegetables with regard to the compounds and types of cancer against which they show activity, providing current knowledge on the anti-cancer effects of Brassica metabolites against major types of tumors. In addition, we discuss the impacts of industrial and domestic processing on the compounds’ functional properties before their consumption as well as the main strategies used to increase the content of health-promoting metabolites in Brassica plants through biofortification. Finally, the impacts of microbiota on the compounds’ bioactivity are considered. This information will be helpful for the further development of efficacious anti-cancer drugs.

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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Preventive and Therapeutic Potential of Algal Polysaccharides

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612825666190425155126 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (11) ◽

pp. 1210-1235 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Soraya Sajadimajd ◽

Saeideh Momtaz ◽

Pouya Haratipour ◽

Fardous F. El-Senduny ◽

Amin Iran Panah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

Recent Progress ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Sulfated Polysaccharides ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Cancer Management ◽

Algal Polysaccharides

Background: Algal polysaccharide and oligosaccharide derivatives have been shown to possess a variety of therapeutic potentials and drug delivery applications. Algal polysaccharides contain sulfated sugar monomers derived from seaweed including brown, red, and green microalgae. Here, in this review, the recent progress of algal polysaccharides’ therapeutic applications as anticancer agents, as well as underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms was investigated. Moreover, recent progress in the structural chemistry of important polysaccharides with anticancer activities were illustrated. Methods: Electronic databases including “Scopus”, “PubMed”, and “Cochrane library” were searched using the keywords “cancer”, or “tumor”, or “malignancy” in title/abstract, along with “algae”, or “algal” in the whole text until July 2018. Only English language papers were included. Results: The most common polysaccharides involved in cancer management were sulfated polysaccharides, Fucoidans, Carageenans, and Ulvan from different species of algae that have been recognized in vitro and in vivo. The underlying anticancer mechanisms of algal polysaccharides included induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, modulation of transduction signaling pathways, suppression of migration and angiogenesis, as well as activation of immune responses and antioxidant system. VEGF/VEGFR2, TGFR/Smad/Snail, TLR4/ROS/ER, CXCL12/ CXCR4, TGFR/Smad7/Smurf2, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, PBK/TOPK, and β-catenin/Wnt are among the main cellular signaling pathways which have a key role in the preventive and therapeutic effects of algal polysaccharides against oncogenesis. Conclusion: Algal polysaccharides play a crucial role in the management of cancer and may be considered the next frontier in pharmaceutical research. Further well-designed clinical trials are mandatory to evaluate the efficacy and safety of algal polysaccharides in patients with cancer.

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