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Oncoimmunology 2024Rituximab (RTX) plus chemotherapy (R-CHOP) applied as a first-line therapy for lymphoma leads to a relapse in approximately 40% of the patients. Therefore, novel...
Rituximab (RTX) plus chemotherapy (R-CHOP) applied as a first-line therapy for lymphoma leads to a relapse in approximately 40% of the patients. Therefore, novel approaches to treat aggressive lymphomas are being intensively investigated. Several RTX-resistant (RR) cell lines have been established as surrogate models to study resistance to R-CHOP. Our study reveals that RR cells are characterized by a major downregulation of CD37, a molecule currently explored as a target for immunotherapy. Using CD20 knockout (KO) cell lines, we demonstrate that CD20 and CD37 form a complex, and hypothesize that the presence of CD20 stabilizes CD37 in the cell membrane. Consequently, we observe a diminished cytotoxicity of anti-CD37 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in complement-dependent cytotoxicity in both RR and CD20 KO cells that can be partially restored upon lysosome inhibition. On the other hand, the internalization rate of anti-CD37 mAb in CD20 KO cells is increased when compared to controls, suggesting unhampered efficacy of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Importantly, even a major downregulation in CD37 levels does not hamper the efficacy of CD37-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. In summary, we present here a novel mechanism of CD37 regulation with further implications for the use of anti-CD37 immunotherapies.
Topics: Humans; Antigens, CD20; Rituximab; Tetraspanins; Cell Line, Tumor; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Immunotherapy; Antigens, Neoplasm; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Doxorubicin; Cyclophosphamide; Vincristine; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38846084
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2024.2362454 -
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B Jun 2024Despite enormous advancements in its management, cancer is the world's primary cause of mortality. Therefore, tremendous strides were made to produce intelligent...
pH-Sensitive doxorubicin delivery using zinc oxide nanoparticles as a rectified theranostic platform: anti-proliferative, apoptotic, cell cycle arrest and radio-distribution studies.
Despite enormous advancements in its management, cancer is the world's primary cause of mortality. Therefore, tremendous strides were made to produce intelligent theranostics with mitigated side effects and improved specificity and efficiency. Thus, we developed a pH-sensitive theranostic platform composed of dextran immobilized zinc oxide nanoparticles, loaded with doxorubicin and radiolabeled with the technetium-99m radionuclide (Tc-labelled DOX-loaded ZnO@dextran). The platform measured 11.5 nm in diameter with -12 mV zeta potential, 88% DOX loading efficiency and 98.5% radiolabeling efficiency. It showed DOX release in a pH-responsive manner, releasing 93.1% cumulatively at pH 5 but just 7% at pH 7.4. It showed improved intracellular uptake, which resulted in a high growth suppressive effect against MCF-7 cancer cells as compared to the free DOX. It boasted a 4 times lower IC than DOX, indicating its significant anti-proliferative potential (0.14 and 0.55 μg ml, respectively). The biological evaluation revealed that its molecular mode of anti-proliferative action included downregulating Cdk-2, which provoked G1/S cell cycle arrest, and upregulating both the intracellular ROS level and caspase-3, which induced apoptosis and necrosis. The experiments in Ehrlich-ascites carcinoma bearing mice demonstrated that DOX-loaded ZnO@dextran showed a considerable 4-fold increase in anti-tumor efficacy compared to DOX. Moreover, by utilizing the diagnostic radionuclide (Tc), the radiolabeled platform (Tc-labelled DOX-loaded ZnO@dextran) was monitored in tumor-bearing mice, revealing high tumor accumulation (14% ID g at 1 h p.i.) and reduced uptake in non-target organs with a 17.5 T/NT ratio at 1 h p.i. Hence, Tc-labelled DOX-loaded ZnO@dextran could be recommended as a rectified tumor-targeted theranostic platform.
Topics: Doxorubicin; Zinc Oxide; Humans; Animals; Apoptosis; Mice; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Cell Proliferation; Theranostic Nanomedicine; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; MCF-7 Cells; Nanoparticles; Tissue Distribution; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Dextrans; Drug Carriers; Technetium; Particle Size
PubMed: 38845545
DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00615a -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Given the marginal penetration of most drugs across the blood-brain barrier, the efficacy of various agents remains limited for glioblastoma (GBM). Here we employ...
Given the marginal penetration of most drugs across the blood-brain barrier, the efficacy of various agents remains limited for glioblastoma (GBM). Here we employ low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPU) and intravenously administered microbubbles (MB) to open the blood-brain barrier and increase the concentration of liposomal doxorubicin and PD-1 blocking antibodies (aPD-1). We report results on a cohort of 4 GBM patients and preclinical models treated with this approach. LIPU/MB increases the concentration of doxorubicin by 2-fold and 3.9-fold in the human and murine brains two days after sonication, respectively. Similarly, LIPU/MB-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption leads to a 6-fold and a 2-fold increase in aPD-1 concentrations in murine brains and peritumoral brain regions from GBM patients treated with pembrolizumab, respectively. Doxorubicin and aPD-1 delivered with LIPU/MB upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II in tumor cells. Increased brain concentrations of doxorubicin achieved by LIPU/MB elicit IFN-γ and MHC class I expression in microglia and macrophages. Doxorubicin and aPD-1 delivered with LIPU/MB results in the long-term survival of most glioma-bearing mice, which rely on myeloid cells and lymphocytes for their efficacy. Overall, this translational study supports the utility of LIPU/MB to potentiate the antitumoral activities of doxorubicin and aPD-1 for GBM.
Topics: Doxorubicin; Animals; Humans; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Mice; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain Neoplasms; Microbubbles; Cell Line, Tumor; Glioma; Brain; Female; Drug Delivery Systems; Ultrasonic Waves; Glioblastoma; Male; Microglia; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Polyethylene Glycols
PubMed: 38844770
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48326-w -
ACS Applied Bio Materials Jun 2024Photosensitizing agents have received increased attention from the medical community, owing to their higher photothermal efficiency, induction of hyperthermia, and...
Photosensitizing agents have received increased attention from the medical community, owing to their higher photothermal efficiency, induction of hyperthermia, and sustained delivery of bioactive molecules to their targets. Micro/nanorobots can be used as ideal photosensitizing agents by utilizing various physical stimuli for the targeted killing of pathogens (e.g., bacteria) and cancer cells. Herein, we report sunflower-pollen-inspired spiky zinc oxide (s-ZnO)-based nanorobots that effectively kill bacteria and cancer cells under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The as-fabricated s-ZnO was modified with a catechol-containing photothermal agent, polydopamine (PDA), to improve its NIR-responsive properties, followed by the addition of antimicrobial (e.g., tetracycline/TCN) and anticancer (e.g., doxorubicin/DOX) drugs. The fabricated s-ZnO/PDA@Drug nanobots exhibited unique locomotory behavior with an average speed ranging from 13 to 14 μm/s under 2.0 W/cm NIR light irradiation. Moreover, the s-ZnO/PDA@TCN nanobots exhibited superior antibacterial activity against and under NIR irradiation. The s-ZnO/PDA@DOX nanobots also displayed sufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplification in B16F10 melanoma cells and induced apoptosis under NIR light, indicating their therapeutic efficacy. We hope the sunflower pollen-inspired s-ZnO nanorobots have tremendous potential in biomedical engineering from the phototherapy perspective, with the hope to reduce pathogen infections.
Topics: Photosensitizing Agents; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Helianthus; Antineoplastic Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Zinc Oxide; Particle Size; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Materials Testing; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pollen; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Cell Survival; Cell Line, Tumor; Indoles; Animals; Mice; Doxorubicin; Infrared Rays
PubMed: 38842103
DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00092 -
Pediatric Blood & Cancer Aug 2024
Topics: Humans; Brentuximab Vedotin; Hodgkin Disease; Nivolumab; Child; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Male; Female; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Adolescent; Immunotherapy; Doxorubicin; Vinblastine
PubMed: 38840433
DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31091 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024Alopecia is a common side-effect of chemotherapy and can be extremely distressing to patients. Scalp cooling can be used to reduce hair loss, but the optimal duration of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Alopecia is a common side-effect of chemotherapy and can be extremely distressing to patients. Scalp cooling can be used to reduce hair loss, but the optimal duration of cooling remains unclear. Our aim was to determine whether increasing the duration of scalp cooling improves hair preservation.
METHODS
Patients with HER2-negative, non-metastatic, breast cancer received scalp cooling during adjuvant chemotherapy: three cycles of epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by three cycles of paclitaxel. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A (n=18) wore a Paxman cooling cap during each infusion and for 30 min post-infusion while Group B (n=19) wore the cap from 30 min before to 2 h after each infusion. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire recording hair loss/regrowth, adverse events, and quality of life. Success of treatment was defined as <50% hair loss.
RESULTS
The success rates after each of the three cycles did not differ significantly between the two groups (EC: Group A: 40%, Group B: 44%; paclitaxel: Group A: 50%, Group B: 36%; p>0.05). Hair regrowth was significantly higher in Group B at the 8-week follow-up, but not at the 6-month follow-up. Head discomfort affected more patients in Group B than in Group A during the first session (94% vs. 62%, respectively; p=0.039).
CONCLUSION
Long duration scalp cooling during chemotherapy might increase patients' discomfort and does not appear to improve hair preservation.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Pilot Projects; Middle Aged; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Paclitaxel; Adult; Scalp; Epirubicin; Quality of Life; Hypothermia, Induced; Time Factors; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38839667
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08579-z -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024The purpose of this study is to address the need for efficient drug delivery with high drug encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release. We aim to create...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to address the need for efficient drug delivery with high drug encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release. We aim to create nanoparticle-loaded microgels for potential applications in treatment development.
METHODS
We adopted the process of ionic gelation to generate microgels from sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose. These microgels were loaded with doxorubicin-conjugated amine-functionalized zinc ferrite nanoparticles (AZnFe-NPs). The systems were characterized using various techniques. Toxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 cells. In vitro release studies were conducted at different pH levels at 37 C, with the drug release kinetics being analyzed using various models.
RESULTS
The drug encapsulation efficiency of the created carriers was as high as 70%. The nanoparticle-loaded microgels exhibited pH-responsive behavior and sustained drug release. Drug release from them was mediated via a non-Fickian type of diffusion.
CONCLUSION
Given their high drug encapsulation efficiency, sustained drug release and pH-responsiveness, our nanoparticle-loaded microgels show promise as smart carriers for future treatment applications. Further development and research can significantly benefit the field of drug delivery and treatment development.
Topics: Doxorubicin; Humans; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Liberation; MCF-7 Cells; Ferric Compounds; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Microgels; Drug Carriers; Alginates; Amines; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Nanoparticles; Zinc; Zinc Compounds; Cell Survival
PubMed: 38836007
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S448594 -
AAPS PharmSciTech Jun 2024DOX liposomes have better therapeutic effects and lower toxic side effects. The targeting ability of liposomes is one of the key factors affecting the therapeutic effect...
DOX liposomes have better therapeutic effects and lower toxic side effects. The targeting ability of liposomes is one of the key factors affecting the therapeutic effect of DOX liposomes. This study developed two types of targeted liposomes. Sialic acid (SA)-modified liposomes were designed to target the highly expressed Siglec-1 receptor on tumor-associated macrophages surface. Phosphatidylserine (PS)-modified liposomes were designed to promote phagocytosis by monocyte-derived macrophages through PS apoptotic signaling. In order to assess and compare the therapeutic potential of different targeted pathways in the context of anti-tumor treatment, we compared four phosphatidylserine membrane materials (DOPS, DSPS, DPPS and DMPS) and found that liposomes prepared using DOPS as material could significantly improve the uptake ability of RAW264.7 cells for DOX liposomes. On this basis, normal DOX liposomes (CL-DOX) and SA-modified DOX liposomes (SAL-DOX), PS-modified DOX liposomes (PS-CL-DOX), SA and PS co-modified DOX liposomes (PS-SAL-DOX) were prepared. The anti-tumor cells function of each liposome on S180 and RAW264.7 in vitro was investigated, and it was found that SA on the surface of liposomes can increase the inhibitory effect. In vivo efficacy results exhibited that SAL-DOX and PS-CL-DOX were superior to other groups in terms of ability to inhibit tumor growth and tumor inhibition index, among which SAL-DOX had the best anti-tumor effect. Moreover, SAL-DOX group mice had high expression of IFN-γ as well as IL-12 factors, which could significantly inhibit mice tumor growth, improve the immune microenvironment of the tumor site, and have excellent targeted delivery potential.
Topics: Liposomes; Animals; Mice; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid; RAW 264.7 Cells; Phosphatidylserines; Doxorubicin; Tumor-Associated Macrophages; Cell Line, Tumor; Antineoplastic Agents; Phagocytosis; Drug Delivery Systems; Apoptosis
PubMed: 38834759
DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02837-3 -
Molecular Cancer Jun 2024The efficacy of anthracycline-based chemotherapeutics, which include doxorubicin and its structural relatives daunorubicin and idarubicin, remains almost unmatched in...
The efficacy of anthracycline-based chemotherapeutics, which include doxorubicin and its structural relatives daunorubicin and idarubicin, remains almost unmatched in oncology, despite a side effect profile including cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, therapy-related malignancies and infertility. Detoxifying anthracyclines while preserving their anti-neoplastic effects is arguably a major unmet need in modern oncology, as cardiovascular complications that limit anti-cancer treatment are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the 17 million cancer survivors in the U.S. In this study, we examined different clinically relevant anthracycline drugs for a series of features including mode of action (chromatin and DNA damage), bio-distribution, anti-tumor efficacy and cardiotoxicity in pre-clinical models and patients. The different anthracycline drugs have surprisingly individual efficacy and toxicity profiles. In particular, aclarubicin stands out in pre-clinical models and clinical studies, as it potently kills cancer cells, lacks cardiotoxicity, and can be safely administered even after the maximum cumulative dose of either doxorubicin or idarubicin has been reached. Retrospective analysis of aclarubicin used as second-line treatment for relapsed/refractory AML patients showed survival effects similar to its use in first line, leading to a notable 23% increase in 5-year overall survival compared to other intensive chemotherapies. Considering individual anthracyclines as distinct entities unveils new treatment options, such as the identification of aclarubicin, which significantly improves the survival outcomes of AML patients while mitigating the treatment-limiting side-effects. Building upon these findings, an international multicenter Phase III prospective study is prepared, to integrate aclarubicin into the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML patients.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Male; Aclarubicin; Anthracyclines; Antineoplastic Agents; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38831402
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02034-7 -
Life Sciences Aug 2024Malnutrition is a common problem in developing countries, and the impact of severe malnutrition on optimal treatment outcomes of chemotherapy in pediatric cancer...
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition is a common problem in developing countries, and the impact of severe malnutrition on optimal treatment outcomes of chemotherapy in pediatric cancer patients is well documented. However, despite being a more prevalent and distinct entity, moderate malnutrition is until now unexplored for its effects on treatment outcomes.
AIMS
In this study we aimed to investigate the molecular basis of altered pharmacokinetics and cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin observed in early-life chronic moderate protein deficiency malnutrition.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We developed an animal model of early-life moderate protein-deficiency malnutrition and validated it using clinical samples. This model was used to study pharmacokinetic and toxicity changes and was further utilized to study the molecular changes in liver and heart to get mechanistic insights.
KEY FINDINGS
Here we show that moderate protein-deficiency malnutrition in weanling rats causes changes in drug disposition in the liver by modification of hepatic ABCC3 and MRP2 transporters through the TNFα signalling axis. Furthermore, malnourished rats in repeat-dose doxorubicin toxicity study showed higher toxicity and mortality. A higher accumulation of doxorubicin in the heart was observed which was associated with alterations in cardiac metabolic pathways and increased cardiotoxicity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Our findings indicate that moderate malnutrition causes increased susceptibility towards toxic side effects of chemotherapy. These results may necessitate further investigations and new guidelines on the dosing of chemotherapy in moderately malnourished pediatric cancer patients.
Topics: Animals; Doxorubicin; Rats; Cardiotoxicity; Male; Weaning; Liver; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Humans; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Female; Disease Models, Animal; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 38830506
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122765