Alternative Cancer Treatment Research Articles

WSG, a Glucose-Rich Polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, Combined with Cisplatin Potentiates Inhibition of Lung Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo.

Lung cancer has the highest global mortality rate of any cancer. Although targeted therapeutic drugs are commercially available, the common drug resistance and insensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, a common clinical treatment for lung cancer, have prompted active research on alternative lung cancer therapies and methods for mitigating cisplatin-related complications. In this study, we investigated the effect of WSG, a glucose-rich, water soluble polysaccharide derived from Ganoderma lucidum, on cisplatin-based treatment for lung cancer. Murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells were injected into C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously and through the tail vein. The combined administration of WSG and cisplatin effectively inhibited tumor growth and the formation of metastatic nodules in the lung tissue of the mice. Moreover, WSG increased the survival rate of mice receiving cisplatin. Co-treatment with WSG and cisplatin induced a synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of lung cancer cells, enhancing the apoptotic responses mediated by cisplatin. WSG also reduced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in both macrophages and normal lung fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that WSG can increase the therapeutic effectiveness of cisplatin. In clinical settings, WSG may be used as an adjuvant or supplementary agent.

Computational Study Regarding CoxFe3-xO4 Ferrite Nanoparticles with Tunable Magnetic Properties in Superparamagnetic Hyperthermia for Effective Alternative Cancer Therapy.

The efficacy in superparamagnetic hyperthermia (SPMHT) and its effectiveness in destroying tumors without affecting healthy tissues depend very much on the nanoparticles used. Considering the results previously obtained in SPMHT using magnetite and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, in this paper we extend our study on CoxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles for x = 0–1 in order to be used in SPMHT due to the multiple benefits in alternative cancer therapy. Due to the possibility of tuning the basic observables/parameters in SPMHT in a wide range of values by changing the concentration of Co2+ ions in the range 0–1, the issue explored by us is a very good strategy for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of magnetic hyperthermia of tumors and reducing the toxicity levels. In this paper we studied by computational simulation the influence of Co2+ ion concentration in a very wide range of values (x = 0–1) on the specific loss power (Ps) in SPMHT and the nanoparticle diameter (DM) which leads to the maximum specific loss power (PsM). We also determined the maximum specific loss power for the allowable biological limit (PsM)l which doesn’t affect healthy tissues, and how it influences the change in the concentration of Co2+ ions. Based on the results obtained, we established the values for concentrations (x), nanoparticle diameter (DM), amplitude (H) and frequency (f) of the magnetic field for which SPMHT with CoxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles can be applied under optimal conditions within the allowable biological range. The obtained results allow the obtaining a maximum efficacy in alternative and non-invasive tumor therapy for the practical implementation of SPMHT with CoxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles.

Modular characteristics and the mechanism of Chinese medicine's treatment of gastric cancer: a data mining and pharmacology-based identification.

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly extensively being applied as a complementary and alternative therapy for gastric cancer (GC); however, there is a lack of large-scale evidence-based deep learning for the guidance of its clinical prescription.MethodsThe combinational search terms of “Gastric cancer and/or gastric malignancy” and “Traditional Chinese Medicine” were used to retrieve clinical study-based herbal prescriptions from public database over the past 3 decades [1990–2020]. Association rules mining (ARM) was used to analyze the prescription patterns of the herbs extracted from the eligible studies. Deep machine learning and computational prediction were conducted to explore candidate prescriptions with general applicability for GC. The action mechanism of the preferred prescription was investigated through network pharmacology, and further validated via in vivo and in vitro experiments.ResultsA total of 194 clinical study-based herbal prescriptions with good efficacy for GC were collected. TCM with focus on invigorating the Spleen and tonifying the vital-Qi is a promising adjuvant therapy for GC. The preferred prescription is composed of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae, Crataegi Fructus, and so on. We screened 74 bioactive compounds and 2,128 predictive targets of the preferred prescription from public databases. Eventually, 135 GC-related genes were identified as the targets of the preferred prescription. The compound-target network revealed that the crucial substances in the preferred prescription are quercetin, kaempferol, baicalein, and nobiletin. Experimentally, the preferred prescription was validated to modulate GC cell survival and inhibit tumor progression mainly via the hTERT/MDM2-p53 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionsTCM aimed at invigorating the Spleen and tonifying the vital-Qi is a promising adjuvant therapy for GC, which offers a guidance for worldwide use of TCM in the treatment of GC.

Efficacy of marine biomolecules on angiogenesis by targeting hypoxia inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in zebrafish model.

Marine resources are notablyexplored for their unique biomolecules that have been designed to be drug targets for their immense potential against various pathologies. These biomolecules are mostly secondary metabolites from different species that include sponges, tunicates, echinoderms, ascidians, algae, and marine symbionts. Among the various biological activities of the marine biomolecules, antiangiogenic property has gained much significance in alternate therapy for treatment against cancer. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the prime signaling pathways related to angiogenesis that areexclusively designated as markers for critical selection of novel inhibitors. This is mainly due to their importanceintumor induction and regulatory control over other interlinked pathways involved in cancer. Small molecular drug screening using the zebrafish model has been an advantage in cancer research in recent times. This review addresses the importance of marine biomolecules and their antiangiogenic efficacy by targeting HIF/VEGF pathways experimented in the zebrafish model in the last decade. Thus, it would provide more clear insights into the role of biomolecules in alternative cancer therapy.

Nigella Sativa’s Protection Against 7,12 Dimethylbenz [A] Anthracene -Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats

Colon cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Recently, natural products have been widely used as an alternative therapy for colon cancer. Previous studies have reported that Nigella sativa has chemopreventive activity in vitro and in vivo.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Nigella sativa seed (NSS) on rat-colon cell after initiation of 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene. Rats were divided into five groups, 12 rats in each group: Group I was given 7,12dimetilbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA) orally 20 mg/kgBW twice a week for five weeks, group V is the solvent control group was given corn oil. The other three groups were given DMBA + NSS, at the dosage of 250 mg/kgBW, 500 mg/kgBW and 750 mg/kgBW. NSS extract was dissolved in corn oil and administered daily per oral during the next two weeks before and during the initiation of DMBA. After 16 weeks, all rats were sacrificed. H&E staining showed that necrosis activity was lower in treated groups compared to DMBA group. AgNOR staining showed mAgNOR was significantly decrease following the increasing dose of NSS (250 mg/kgBW, 500 mg/kgBW and 750 mg/kgBW) were subsequently 1.62 ± 0.086, 1.60 ± 0.101 and 1.39 ± 0.049 (p<0.05). The results showed that NNS reduce the damage of colon cells and inhibit colon cell proliferation in DMBA induced rats.

Monocytes mediate Salmonella Typhimurium-induced tumor growth inhibition in a mouse melanoma model.

The use of bacteria as an alternative cancer therapy has been reinvestigated in recent years. SL7207: an auxotrophic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium aroA mutant with immune‐stimulatory potential has proven a promising strain for this purpose. Here, we show that systemic administration of SL7207 induces melanoma tumor growth arrest in vivo, with greater survival of the SL7207‐treated group compared to control PBS‐treated mice. Administration of SL7207 is accompanied by a change in the immune phenotype of the tumor‐infiltrating cells toward pro‐inflammatory, with expression of the TH1 cytokines IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐12 significantly increased. Interestingly, Ly6C+MHCII+ monocytes were recruited to the tumors following SL7207 treatment and were pro‐inflammatory. Accordingly, the abrogation of these infiltrating monocytes using clodronate liposomes prevented SL7207‐induced tumor growth inhibition. These data demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for infiltrating inflammatory monocytes underlying bacterial‐mediated tumor growth inhibition. This information highlights a possible novel role for monocytes in controlling tumor growth, contributing to our understanding of the immune responses required for successful immunotherapy of cancer.

Cytotoxic Effect In Vitro of Acalypha monostachya Extracts over Human Tumor Cell Lines.

Acalypha monostachya (A. monostachya) is a plant that is used in traditional medicine as a cancer treatment; however, its effect has not been validated. In this study, the potential cytotoxic effects and morphological changes of A. monostachya were evaluated in human tumor cell lines. The aqueous (AE), methanolic (ME), and hexane (HE) extracts were obtained, and flavonoid-type phenolic compounds were detected, which indicates an antineoplastic effect. We observed a time-dependent and concentration-selective toxicity in human tumor cells. Additionally, the ME and HE showed the greatest cytotoxic effect at minimum concentrations compared to the AE, which showed this effect at the highest concentrations. All extracts induced significant morphological changes in tumor cells. The HeLa (cervix carcinoma) cells were more sensitive compared to the MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated a cytotoxic in vitro effect of A. monostachya extracts in tumoral human cell lines. These results show the potential antineoplastic effects of A. monostachya in vitro. Hereafter, our lab team will continue working to usefully isolate and obtain the specific compounds of A. monostachya extracts with cytotoxic effects on tumor cells to find more alternatives for cancer treatment.

Resveratrol Targets a Variety of Oncogenic and Oncosuppressive Signaling for Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease and is also the major cause of death among women from gynecologic malignancies. A combination of surgery and chemotherapy is the major therapy for ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, despite good response rates to initial surgery and chemotherapy, most patients relapse and have a generally poor survival rate. The present research sheds light on the therapeutic effects of multiple natural products in patients with ovarian cancer. Notably, these natural ingredients do not have adverse effects on healthy cells and tissues, indicating that natural products can serve as a safe alternative therapy for ovarian cancer. Trans-3,4,5′-Trihydroxystibene (resveratrol) is a natural product that is commonly found in the human diet and that has been shown to have anticancer effects on various human cancer cells. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the progress of resveratrol against tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis induction, autophagy, sensitization, and antioxidation as well as anti-inflammation. It also provides information regarding the role of resveratrol analogues in ovarian cancer. A better understanding of the role of resveratrol in ovarian cancer may provide a new array for the prevention and therapy of ovarian cancer.

Preclinical Assessment of Paclitaxel- and Trastuzumab-Delivering Magnetic Nanoparticles Fe3O4 for Treatment and Imaging of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity and the potential imaging use of the innovative combination of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)-Fe3O4, paclitaxel (PTX), and trastuzumab (Herceptin) in HER2-positive breast cancer.Methods: MNPs-Fe3O4 was synthesized and underwent water phase transfer and hydrophobic molecular loading, and its surface was then coupled with Herceptin mono-antibody. The morphological characteristics of MNPs-Fe3O4 were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Effects of PTX-Herceptin-MNPs-Fe3O4 on breast cancer cells were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,4-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and the flow cytometric apoptosis assay. To establish a xenograft model, we injected breast cancer SK-BR-3 cells into the left thighs of nude mice. We measured the effect of PTX-Herceptin-MNPs-Fe3O4 on tumor growth by measuring tumor size and calculating inhibition rate with immunohistochemistry analysis further performed, and analyzed MNPs-Fe3O4 accumulation in tumor lesions using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and in vivo fluorescence imaging.Results: Most MNPs were in spherical shape of about 10 nm in diameter observed under TEM. PTX-Herceptin-MNPs-Fe3O4 showed greater cytotoxic effects, and induced a higher apoptosis rate of SK-BR-3 cells than all the other groups, with corresponding changes of apoptosis-related proteins. Meanwhile, the in vivo tumor xenograft model showed that tumor inhibition rate in the PTX-Herceptin-MNPs-Fe3O4 group was higher than in the PTX-Herceptin group. Furthermore, PTX-Herceptin-MNPs-Fe3O4 enhanced the T2 imaging contrast enhancement effect on tumors in tumor-bearing mice.Conclusion: The novel PTX-Herceptin-MNPs-Fe3O4 combination may represent a promising alternative breast cancer treatment strategy and may facilitate tumor imaging.

Nanotechnology as an Alternative to Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most dreaded therapy for cancer especially for women and there has been demand for alternative therapy where one has not to pass through agony of the after effects. Alternative therapies to chemotherapy exist. These include photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. There were 10 other softer options to consider but the alternative cancer treatments can't cure cancer. Alternative treatments may lessen anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress the common signs and symptoms and may offer some feeling of control, but many of these alternative cancer treatments are unproved as these may be turned out to be dangerous. Cancer treatments can be made safer and more precise by nanotechnology. Either you can burn cancer cells with the help of nanotechnology or you can deliver medicines even used for chemotherapy straight to the tumour by specially designed nanoparticles. On reaching the target only, they release the medicine and not before that. Healthy tissues around the tumour are saved from drugs from damaging the harming. Side effects which otherwise occur from this damage are thus avoided. Nanotechnology can also detect the cancer cells at the earliest stages while cells just start dividing, cure of cancer is easier. The pros and cons of nanotechnology and present chemotherapy are discussed in this paper.

Long-Term Clinical Outcome and Safety Analysis of Superficial Esophageal Cancer Patients Receiving Definite or Adjuvant/Salvage Radiotherapy

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The role of definite concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) or adjuvant/ salvage radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of superficial esophageal cancer remains uncertain. We hypothesize that definite or adjuvant/salvage RT/CCRT was an alternative treatment for superficial esophageal cancer, especially for those who are ineligible for endoscopic resection (ER) or those with T1b tumor or receiving non-curative endoscopic resection. We aim to investigate the long-term clinical outcome and safety of superficial esophageal cancer patients receiving definite or adjuvant/salvage radiotherapy. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> 48 patients with clinical T1N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from 2011 to 2019 were included. 33 patients received RT (n = 9)/CCRT (n = 24). 15 patients received ER+RT (n = 8)/CCRT (n = 7). In ER+RT/CCRT group, median dose of 50.40 Gy and 59.36 Gy were delivered to regional lymph nodes and primary tumor with recurrence or tumor bed with positive margin, respectively. In RT/CCRT group, median dose of 50.40 Gy and 59.36 Gy were delivered to regional lymph nodes and primary tumor, respectively. 31 patients (64.5%) received concurrent chemotherapy. The Kaplan–Meier curves were used to calculate actuarial rates of 1-, 3-, and 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS). <h3>Results</h3> The median follow-up time was 38.5 months. The OS at 1-, 3-, and 5-year was 95.8%, 90.9% and 90.9%, respectively. The LRFS at 1-, 3-, and 5-year was 97.9%, 95.2% and 95.2%, respectively. The 5-year LRFS and OS in ER + RT/CCRT group were 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively. 5-year LRFS and OS in RT/CCRT group was 92.7% and 86.3%, respectively. Local recurrence occurred in 2 patients (4.2%) within the radiation field in the RT/CCRT group. No salvage therapy was delivered to these 2 patients and their median OS was 27.2 months and 13.0 months, respectively. No distant metastasis or regional recurrence were observed in all 48 patients. The cause of death included local recurrence in 2 patients and infectious pneumonia in 2 patients. The most frequent early toxicity was esophagitis. Grade 1-2 esophagitis in 13 (86.6%) and 29 (87.8%) patients in the ER+RT/CCRT and RT/CCRT group, respectively. Grade 3 in 1 (6.6%) and in 1 (3.0%) patient in the ER+RT/CCRT and RT/CCRT group, respectively. The most frequent late toxicity was esophageal stricture. Grade 1-2 occurred in 12 (80%) and 32 (96.9%) patients in the ER+RT/CCRT and RT/CCRT group, respectively. Grade 3 esophageal stricture occurred in 3 (20%) patients and 1 (3.0%) patient in the ER+RT/CCRT and RT/CCRT group, respectively. No patients experienced grade 4 toxicity and there was no treatment-related death. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our long-term results of definite or adjuvant/salvage radiotherapy for patients with superficial esophageal cancer showed favorable outcomes and acceptable toxicities. Radiotherapy was an alternative treatment for superficial esophageal cancer.

The Association Between Conventional Cancer Treatment History and Dissatisfaction Among Those Seeking Alternative Cancer Therapies: Insights From a Crowdfunding Platform

We previously reported on dissatisfaction with conventional cancer treatment as a primary theme among online crowdfunding campaigns created for individuals seeking alternative cancer treatments. Here, we determine the impact of specific conventional cancer treatments, as well as cancer stage and cancer type, on dissatisfaction leading to the selection of alternative cancer treatments.A cross-sectional mixed methods analysis of 778 online campaigns for people seeking financial assistance for alternative cancer treatments through GoFundMe between 2011 and 2019 were evaluated. Clinical and treatment data were extracted from the campaign descriptions. Motivational themes were identified using a rigorous process of thematic analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify significant associations between cancer type, cancer stage, and prior conventional cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone and immunotherapy and dissatisfaction, defined by concerns that conventional treatment was ineffective, too expensive, or associated with intolerable side effects.Of the 778 campaigns analyzed, 68.3% (531) campaigns contained themes of dissatisfaction. Of those 531, 41.8% (222) reported having had surgery, 49.5% (263) reported having had chemotherapy, 28.6% (152) radiotherapy, 3.0% (16) hormone therapy, and 2.6% (14) immunotherapy. Significant independent predictors of dissatisfaction were prior use of chemotherapy (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.34-2.83) and having Stage IV cancer (OR: 2.29, 95% CI:1.65-3.20). No other therapies or cancer types were significantly associated with dissatisfaction.Prior use of radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy were not independent predictors of dissatisfaction, nor were the individuals' cancer types; however, chemotherapy was an independent predictor of dissatisfaction when controlling for other important factors as reported in crowdsourcing campaigns seeking financial assistance for alternative cancer therapies. This information highlights the importance of doctor-patient communication regarding complications of and expectations for cancer treatment.

Prediction of In Vivo Laser-Induced Thermal Damage with Hyperspectral Imaging Using Deep Learning.

Thermal ablation is an acceptable alternative treatment for primary liver cancer, of which laser ablation (LA) is one of the least invasive approaches, especially for tumors in high-risk locations. Precise control of the LA effect is required to safely destroy the tumor. Although temperature imaging techniques provide an indirect measurement of the thermal damage, a degree of uncertainty remains about the treatment effect. Optical techniques are currently emerging as tools to directly assess tissue thermal damage. Among them, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has shown promising results in image-guided surgery and in the thermal ablation field. The highly informative data provided by HSI, associated with deep learning, enable the implementation of non-invasive prediction models to be used intraoperatively. Here we show a novel paradigm “peak temperature prediction model” (PTPM), convolutional neural network (CNN)-based, trained with HSI and infrared imaging to predict LA-induced damage in the liver. The PTPM demonstrated an optimal agreement with tissue damage classification providing a consistent threshold (50.6 ± 1.5 °C) for the damage margins with high accuracy (~0.90). The high correlation with the histology score (r = 0.9085) and the comparison with the measured peak temperature confirmed that PTPM preserves temperature information accordingly with the histopathological assessment.

Potential of Tithonia diversifolia Hemsley A. Gray (Kembang Bulan) Leaf Extract as Anti-Cancer Agents

The main objective of this review is to explain the great potential of herbal plants as anticancer agents. Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the body. The high number of cancer incidents still become a global concern because of the high mortality rate. The treatments of cancer such as chemotherapy can cause serious side effects by killing the normal cells. This is the reason why it is necessary to develop an alternative treatment of cancer. I discussed a plant that is believed to has health benefit. Many studies have showed the positive effect of Tithonia diversifolia plant for health. After 2000, the researchers discovered a new potential through its cytotoxicity to neoplastic cells. This plant needs to be developed sustainably. However, in the future this plant might become an effective alternative to treat cancer with lower side effects.

Initial local excision for clinical T1 rectal cancer showed comparable overall survival despite high local recurrence rate: a propensity-matched analysis.

PurposeLocal excision (LE) is an alternative initial treatment for clinical T1 rectal cancer, and has avoided potential morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of LE compared with total mesorectal excision (TME) for clinical T1 rectal cancer.MethodsBetween January 2000 and December 2011, we retrospectively reviewed from multicenter data in patients with clinically suspected T1 rectal cancer treated with either LE or TME. Of 1,071 patients, 106 were treated with LE and 965 were treated with TME. The data were analyzed using propensity score matching, with each group comprising 91 patients.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, the median follow-up time was 60.8 months (range, 0.6–150.6 months). After adjustment for the necessary variables, patients who underwent LE showed a significantly higher local recurrence rate than did those who underwent TME; however, there were no differences in disease-free survival and overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 9.620; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.415–27.098; P<0.001) and angiolymphatic invasion (HR, 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–9.89; P=0.012) were independently associated with overall survival. However, LE was neither associated with overall survival nor disease-free survival.ConclusionLE for clinical T1 rectal cancer yielded a higher local recurrence rate than did TME. Nevertheless, LE provided comparable overall survival rate and can be proposed as an optional treatment in terms of organ-preserving strategies.

Virtual Screening for Biomimetic Anti-Cancer Peptides from Cordyceps militaris Putative Pepsinized Peptidome and Validation on Colon Cancer Cell Line.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in Thailand and many other countries. The standard practice for curing this cancer is surgery with an adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. However, the unfavorable side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs are undeniable. Recently, protein hydrolysates and anticancer peptides have become popular alternative options for colon cancer treatment. Therefore, we aimed to screen and select the anticancer peptide candidates from the in silico pepsin hydrolysate of a Cordyceps militaris (CM) proteome using machine-learning-based prediction servers for anticancer prediction, i.e., AntiCP, iACP, and MLACP. The selected CM-anticancer peptide candidates could be an alternative treatment or co-treatment agent for colorectal cancer, reducing the use of chemotherapeutic drugs. To ensure the anticancer properties, an in vitro assay was performed with “CM-biomimetic peptides” on the non-metastatic colon cancer cell line (HT-29). According to the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay results from peptide candidate treatments at 0–400 µM, the IC50 doses of the CM-biomimetic peptide with no toxic and cancer-cell-penetrating ability, original C. militaris biomimetic peptide (C-ori), against the HT-29 cell line were 114.9 µM at 72 hours. The effects of C-ori compared to the doxorubicin, a conventional chemotherapeutic drug for colon cancer treatment, and the combination effects of both the CM-anticancer peptide and doxorubicin were observed. The results showed that C-ori increased the overall efficiency in the combination treatment with doxorubicin. According to the acridine orange/propidium iodine (AO/PI) staining assay, C-ori can induce apoptosis in HT-29 cells significantly, confirmed by chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, apoptotic bodies, and late apoptosis which were observed under a fluorescence microscope.

Study on Maximum Specific Loss Power in Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Decorated with Biocompatible Gamma-Cyclodextrins for Cancer Therapy with Superparamagnetic Hyperthermia.

Different chemical agents are used for the biocompatibility and/or functionality of the nanoparticles used in magnetic hyperthermia to reduce or even eliminate cellular toxicity and to limit the interaction between them (van der Waals and magnetic dipolar interactions), with highly beneficial effects on the efficiency of magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy. In this paper we propose an innovative strategy for the biocompatibility of these nanoparticles using gamma-cyclodextrins (γ-CDs) to decorate the surface of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The influence of the biocompatible organic layer of cyclodextrins, from the surface of Fe3O4 ferrimagnetic nanoparticles, on the maximum specific loss power in superparamagnetic hyperthermia, is presented and analyzed in detail in this paper. Furthermore, our study shows the optimum conditions in which the magnetic nanoparticles covered with gamma-cyclodextrin (Fe3O4–γ-CDs) can be utilized in superparamagnetic hyperthermia for an alternative cancer therapy with higher efficiency in destroying tumoral cells and eliminating cellular toxicity.

Ethanol extract of Imperata Cylindrica leaves inhibits proliferation and migration of HSC-3 cell lines

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is classified as the most common type of oral cancer up to 90% of all malignant neoplasm in the oral cavity. Currently, the only treatments for SCC are surgery and/or radiation or chemotherapy, which can cause various side effects. Cogon grass leaves (Imperata cylindrica) have been considered an alternative cancer treatment that may reduce side effects. Imperata cylindrica (I. cylindrica) leaf extract can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration by withholding the cell cycle in the gap 1/synthesis (G1/S) and gap 2/mitosis (G2/M) phases. Therefore, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is decreased and cancer is not progressing. Purpose: The study aims to determine the effect of I. cylindrica leaf extract on the proliferation and migration of human oral squamous carcinoma-3 (HSC-3) cell lines. Methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted with nine study groups. The treatment group was divided into seven concentrations—640 ppm, 320 ppm, 160 ppm, 80 ppm, 40 ppm, 20 ppm and 10 ppm. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay and scratch assay were carried out to assess the effect of I. cylindrica leaf extract on HSC-3 cell proliferation and migration. Results: Ethanol extract of I. cylindrica has a significant effect compared to the negative control towards the proliferation and migration of HSC-3 cells. Conclusion: This study shows that I. cylindrica ethanol leaf extract can inhibit proliferation and migration of HSC-3 cells.

Aluminium (III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulphonate is an effective photosensitizer for the eradication of lung cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to contribute to the recurrence of lung cancer due to their stem-like nature and the involvement of genetic markers associated with drug efflux, regeneration and metastases. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cost-effective and non-invasive therapeutic application that can act as an alternative therapy for lung cancer when considering CSC involvement. Stem-like cells derived from the A549 lung cancer cell line, positive for CD133, CD56 and CD44 antigen markers, were characterized, intracellular localization of aluminium (III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulphonate (AlPcS4Cl) determined and its anti-cancer PDT effects were evaluated. Results confirmed that isolated cells were stem cell-like and subcellular localization of AlPcS4Cl in integral organelles involved in cell homeostasis supported the destruction of CSC. AlPcS4Cl's effectivity was demonstrated with CSC eradication showing a significant increase in cytotoxicity and cell death via apoptosis, caused by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. PDT could serve as a palliative treatment for lung cancer and improve prognosis by elimination of lung CSCs.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic Mechanisms of Clinacanthus Nutans Extracts in Cancer Cells

Background: The preparations of commercially available Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.F) Lindau (Acanthaceae) (CN) leaf are gaining attention as an alternative cancer treatment, particularly in South East Asia. Multiple studies have suggested that CN has potential anticancer activities; however, the mechanism of these activities has remained elusive. Objective: This study evaluated the cytotoxic mechanisms of CN extracts in cancer cells. Methods: CN extracts were prepared from either fresh or dried leaves, using different solvents. Cytotoxicity of CN extracts was tested on the A549 (lung cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cell lines using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to assess changes in the cell cycle profile, while Western blotting was used to examine microtubule stability. Finally, the mode of cell death was investigated using the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit. Results: Aqueous Fresh (AQF) extract was prepared to simulate the ethnomedicinal use of CN, and reduce cell viability of MCF-7 cells with IC50 = 1.71 mg/mL. Some CN extracts have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of four different cancer cell lines after a 24 hour treatment. Annexin V assay results showed that acetone extracts of CN induced increments in the percentage of apoptotic cell death. However, flow cytometry results showed that the cancer cell cycle profile was not affected. Similarly, immunoblotting results also indicate that microtubule dynamics in MCF-7 cells were not altered. However, the aqueous extract, prepared to simulate the current ethnomedicinal use of CN leaves in cancer treatment, did not significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation with an IC50 = 1.71 mg/mL. Conclusions: This study was the first to show that microtubules in cancer cells remain dynamic after treatment with CN extracts, effectively ruling interference of microtubule dynamics as the mode of cell death. AMD extract showed the highest effects of MCF-7 cell proliferation.