Nanotechnology in metastatic cancer treatment: Current Achievements and Future Research Trends

Abstract

The systemic spread of malignant cells from a primary site, a process termed metastasis represents a global challenge in cancer treatment. There is a real need to develop novel therapy strategies and nanomedicine may have remarkable and valuable contribution through specific and selective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, through its intrinsic cytotoxic activity or through imaging applications, appealing also in the context of cancer personalized therapy. This review is focused on the applications of nanoparticles in the treatment of metastatic cancer, particularly on the possible effect on cell stabilization, growth inhibition, eventual interaction with adhesion molecules and antiangiogenic effect.

Figure 1

Signaling pathways responsible for down-regulation of epithelial genes and up-regulation of mesenchymal genes and inducement of EMT. Reproduced after Roche, et al, 2007, with permission .

Figure 2

Pancreatic cancer and complexity of physiopathogenetic pathways involved in EMT process as fundament for carcinogenetic transformation. Interaction of CAF, cytokines, growth factors, integrins and dynamics of the process. Reproduced after Gaianigo et al. 2017, with permission .

Figure 3

Cancer stem cells and their ability to become metastasis- propagator cells. Subpopulation separation due to occurrence to different oncogenic changes. Clonal phenotypic properties are different in terms of location or drug resistance for future metastatic process. Reproduced by Don, 2011, with permission .

Figure 4

EMT and MAT involve complex signaling between cancer cells and hepatocytes. Involvemement of VEGF, PDGF, MMPs, TGFβ represent key factors in modulation the effect. Reproduced by Katarzyna, 2015, with permission .

Figure 5

Pathways of metastasis development. Transformation between dormancy and migratory state of cells can be modulated by multiple factors. Reproduced by Sleeman et al, 2011, with permission .