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Eradicating the tumor “seeds”: nanomedicines-based therapies against cancer stem cells

  • Review Article
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Abstract

Objectives

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of cells with high tumorigenesis and strong intrinsic drug resistance, exhibit self-renewal and differentiation abilities. CSCs play a crucial role in tumor progression, drug resistance, recurrence and metastasis,and conventional therapy is not enough to eradicate them. Therefore, developing novel therapies targeting CSCs to increase drug sensitivity and preventing relapse is essential. The objective of this review is to present nanotherapies that target and eradicate the tumor “seeds”.

Evidence acquisition

Evidence was collected and sorted from the literature ranging from 2000 to 2022, using appropriate keywords and key phrases as search terms within scientific databases such as Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have been successfully applied to gain longer circulation time, more precise targeting capability and better stability during cancer treatment. Nanotechnology-based strategies that have been used to target CSCs, include (1) encapsulating small molecular drugs and genes by nanotechnology, (2) targeting CSC signaling pathways, (3) utilizing nanocarriers targeting for specific markers of CSCs, (4) improving photothermal/ photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT), 5)targeting the metabolism of CSCs and 6) enhancing nanomedicine-aided immunotherapy.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the biological hallmarks and markers of CSCs, and the nanotechnology-based therapies to kill them. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems are appropriate means for delivering drugs to tumors through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Furthermore, surface modification with special ligands or antibodies improves the recognition and uptake of tumor cells or CSCs. It is expected that this review can offer insights into features of CSCs and the exploration of targeting nanodrug delivery systems.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No.81803029) and the Science and Technology Foundation of Yuzhong District, Chongqing (No.20210179).

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, 401147, Chongqing, China

      Lin Li, Dan Zheng & Lin Chen

    2. Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, 400042, Chongqing, China

      Rui Ni

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    Lin Li, Rui Ni and Lin Chen contributed to the idea for this review article. The literature search and analysis were performed by Dan Zheng. Further evidences collection, analysis and arrangement were accomplished by Lin Li and Rui Ni. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Lin Li and Rui Ni. Then, the manuscript was critically revised by Lin Chen (Corresponding Author). All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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    Li, L., Ni, R., Zheng, D. et al. Eradicating the tumor “seeds”: nanomedicines-based therapies against cancer stem cells. DARU J Pharm Sci 31, 83–94 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40199-023-00456-0

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