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Novel Carbon Nanohorn-Based Treatment Revolutionises Cancer Therapy
Context:
Recently, researchers from the JAIST have created cancer cell membrane (CM)-wrapped CNH nanoparticles to deliver the paclitaxel (PTX) more effectively for treating colon cancer.
More on News:
The team has developed a cutting-edge solution involving carbon nanohorns (CNHs) to create a multimodal cancer phototheranostic platform that integrates photothermal therapy (PTT), immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Background
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Key Highlights:
- PTT uses light-sensitive materials to convert near-infrared (NIR) light into heat to destroy cancer cells through localised thermal effects.
- However, PTT has limitations, including its inability to target cancer cells outside the irradiation area, reducing its effectiveness against metastases.
- Additionally, the effectiveness of PTT is restricted by how deeply NIR light can penetrate, which affects the treatment of deep tumours.
- To overcome these challenges the team has designed cancer cell membrane (CM)-wrapped CNH nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in colon cancer treatment.
- These nanoparticles utilise the inherent properties of CNHs along with the targeting capabilities of cancer cell membranes, enhancing the precision of PTT.
- To enhance treatment effectiveness, researchers encapsulated the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) within CNH‒CM nanoparticles. These particles are designed to deliver the drug directly to tumours and improve its efficacy.
Significance:
- The researchers found that PTX-CNH‒CM complexes accumulated more and remained longer at the tumour site compared to free PTX, leading to enhanced chemotherapy effects.
- The nanoparticles also showed strong photothermal effects and triggered significant immune responses, effectively destroying tumours.
Implications:
- The high surface area and unique properties of CNH enhance drug loading and photothermal conversion efficiency.
- The biomimetic CNH nano complexes exhibited excellent tumour-targeting capabilities, controlled drug release, and effective cancer cell destruction, leading to a robust antitumour response.
- The integration of multiple therapeutic modalities into a single platform offers hope for overcoming the limitations of current cancer treatments and improving patient outcomes.