Nanomaterials for Combating Cancer while Safeguarding Organs: Safe and Effective Integrative Tumor Therapy

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally. Combating cancer while safeguarding organs (CCSO) has emerged as a specialized field that employs a multifaceted approach to cancer management. Postsurgery solid tumors face issues such as recurrence and organ dysfunction due to residual cancer, resection, inflammation, and infections. Adjuvant and preventive treatments may also impair organ function, adding to treatment challenges. This review delineates the multifaceted landscape of multidimensional nanomaterials, spanning from 0-dimensional nanoparticles to 3-dimensional scaffolds, and their collaborative roles in concurrent cancer management and organ protection. We underscore the importance of nanomaterial synthesis, functionalization, and responsive release mechanisms in the tumor and organ microenvironments. A comprehensive analysis of nanomaterial applications in integrated cancer management, including melanoma, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer, is presented, highlighting their potential to overcome therapeutic challenges. The discourse also addresses the obstacles and future directions for nanomaterials for CCSO, offering valuable insights for advancing cancer management and organ protection. This review aims to enhance the comprehension and progress of nanomaterials for CCSO, fostering the development of more effective cancer management modalities.

Fig. 1.

Schematic diagram of the classification and utilization of nanomaterials for CCSO. These nanomaterials are systematically categorized into 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D materials. They exert therapeutic effects on tumors through physical therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy and are also adept at facilitating organ protection by delivering drugs, proteins, genes, and cells. Their applications are crucial for managing cancer and protecting organs across a variety of cancers, including melanoma, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The images were created with BioRender.

Fig. 2.

Therapeutic strategies for the comprehensive treatment of melanoma [–132]. In tumor treatment (A): (i) responsive therapy (e.g., PDT, PTT, and CDT) directly kills tumor cells; (ii) inducing immunogenic cell death to enhance the immune response; (iii) destroying the tumor extracellular matrix and draining blood vessels; and (iv) inhibiting tumor recurrence and metastasis. In tissue regeneration (B): (i) antibacterial infection to promote wound healing; (ii) controlling anti-inflammatory response to reduce tissue damage; (iii) promotion of cell proliferation; and (iv) angiogenesis to accelerate tissue regeneration. Created by BioRender.

Fig. 3.

Nanomaterials for CCSO in the integrated therapy of osteosarcoma [–140]. (A) Classification of types of nanomaterials used in integrated therapy of osteosarcoma. (B) Diagram illustrating the application of nanomaterials in osteosarcoma therapy. Due to the outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency, nanomaterials for CCSO such as the multifunctional hydrogel system demonstrate excellent photothermal ability to kill tumor, resist cancer recurrence, and prevent bacterial infection both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the multifunctional hydrogel system facilitates bone regeneration through direct or indirect means, such as preventing infection and promoting blood vessel growth. Created by BioRender.

Fig. 4.

Schematic illustration of the fabrication process and curative action of nanomaterials for the use of CCSO in the integrated prevention of gastric cancer [166,167]. (A) The process of H. pylori infection of the gastric mucosa. (B) The fabrication process of nanomaterials. (C) The capabilities of nanomaterials, including penetrating the gastric mucus layer (I), eliminating H. pylori planktonic bacteria and biofilms (IIa-IIc), and regulating the inflammatory microenvironment (III). Created by BioRender.

Fig. 5.

The mechanism by which nanomaterials for CCSO exert antitumor and prorepair effects [,–171]. (A) The disparity in the effects of nitric oxide on tumor cells versus normal tissue was assessed. (B) Gradual release of bioactive components. (C) The material contains both substances that inhibit tumor growth and substances that promote tissue restoration. (D) The material exhibits both antitumor and prorepair properties. (E) Photothermal therapy can destroy tumors and facilitate the healing of tissues. (F) Inhibiting tumor metastasis while simultaneously suppressing inflammation and facilitating tissue healing. Created by BioRender.