Combination Of Therapeutic Modalities Research Articles

Effects of CE Ferulic® Combined with Microneedling in the Treatment of Pigmentary Disorders: A Monocentric, Split Face, Comparative Study

Pigmentary disorders of the face present a significant challenge in dermatology, impacting the confidence and well-being of affected individuals. Various approaches have been developed to address these concerns, including microneedling and topical vitamin C products. This study involved 15 participants undergoing three treatment sessions over 12 weeks, assessing the efficacy of a combined microneedling and CE Ferulic® serum approach. Clinical evaluation and statistical analysis were conducted before and after the intervention. Significant improvement of akin hyperpigmentation was observed, particularly on the side treated with microneedling and CE Ferulic® serum compared to microneedling alone. The integrated treatment protocol demonstrated a synergistic effect in improving skin texture and appearance. Integrated treatment protocols, such as combining microneedling with CE Ferulic® serum, show promise in managing facial hyperpigmentation disorders. Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment strategies, highlighting the potential of combined therapeutic modalities for achieving optimal clinical outcomes in pigmentary disorder management.

A Review on the Design of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials as MRI Contrast Agents.

The administration of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs) has been conducted since 1988 by clinicians to enhance the clarity and interpretability of MR images. CAs based on gadolinium chelates are the clinical standard used worldwide for the diagnosis of various pathologies, such as the detection of brain lesions, the visualization of blood vessels, and the assessment of soft tissue disorders. However, due to ongoing concerns associated with the safety of gadolinium-based contrast agents, considerable efforts have been directed towards developing contrast agents with better relaxivities, reduced toxicity, and eventually combined therapeutic modalities. In this context, grafting (or encapsulating) paramagnetic metals or chelates onto (within) carbon-based nanoparticles is a straightforward approach enabling the production of contrast agents with high relaxivities while providing extensive tuneability regarding the functionalization of the nanoparticles. Here, we provide an overview of the parameters defining the efficacy of lanthanide-based contrast agents and the subsequent developments in the field of nanoparticular-based contrast agents incorporating paramagnetic species.

Autologous Nanofat Injection Combined with Fractional CO2 Laser in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars.

Atrophic acne scarring is a widely prevalent condition and one of the most distressing complications of acne vulgaris. Numerous options with variable outcomes are available for the treatment of acne scarring. Laser is considered a first-line therapy for acne scars, and recently there has been a growing interest in using stem cells and their derivatives for treating acne scars. In addition, combined therapeutic modalities often achieve more satisfactory results than a single treatment. We tried to evaluate the role of nanofat and fractional CO2 laser as a combined treatment approach for atrophic acne scarring. Twenty-five patients with atrophic acne scarring were enrolled. They received a single session of intradermal nanofat injection, at different points 1 cm apart, for acne scars. Two weeks later, they were treated with three sessions of fractional CO2 laser at monthly intervals. Patients were evaluated three months after the last session using the quantitative Goodman and Baron scoring system. Pain, side effects, and patients' satisfaction were also evaluated. There were two males and 23 females with a mean age of 25.96 years. Their skin type ranged between Fitzpatrick skin type III, IV, and V. Boxcar scars were the most common scar type in 13 patients (52%). After treatment, there was a significant reduction (p <0.05) in the quantitative Goodman and Baron scores. The improvement was more evident in rolling scars. Seven patients reported significant improvement, and 12 reported marked improvement. This study showed that combining nanofat and fractional CO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for atrophic acne scars.

Platelet-Rich Plasma: Advances and Controversies in Hair Restoration and Skin Rejuvenation.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its combined therapeutic modalities have catalyzed new possibilities in dermatology; however, limitations in evidence and lack of consensus remain among clinicians regarding optimal composition, protocol, technique, and application. To provide an update and analysis of the evidence for PRP in hair restoration and skin rejuvenation through review of recent available data, highlighting controversies and expert insights to guide future studies, and stimulate discourse and innovations benefitting patients. A structured review and expert analysis of PubMed publications before October 2023, with a focus on recent literature from January 2020 through October 2023. Growing literature supports the utility and benefits of PRP and related autologous products for applications for skin and hair, with strongest evidence for androgenetic alopecia and skin rejuvenation. However, this is limited by lack of consensus regarding best practices and protocols. Randomized, controlled trials with uniform metrics comparing outcomes of various compositions of autologous blood products, preparation methods, dosimetry, and frequency of treatments are still required. This will allow the medical discourse to grow beyond the realm of expert opinion into consensus, standardization, and more wide spread adoption of best practices that will benefit patients.

An Exploratory Study of a Novel Combined Therapeutic Modality for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Objective: To explore whether a systematic combined therapeutic modality (CTM) could quickly and effectively improve the severity of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and the insight of OCD patients. Methods: Included in this study were 100 patients with OCD according to the 5th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), for a 2-week short-term treatment. They were assigned to a drug-alone group (n = 57), and a CTM group (n = 43) using drug treatment in combination with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The therapeutic outcome was assessed by the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS), 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) before and after treatment. All data were treated with SPSS25.0 Software. Results: After the 2-week treatment, the success rate in the CTM group was significantly higher than that in the drug-alone group. Y-BOCS overall and factor scores were decreased as compared with those before treatment in both groups. HAMD, HAMA and BABS overall scores were all decreased after treatment in the CTM group. In addition, compared with the drug-alone group, the Y-BOCS overall score and factor score, HAMD overall score and HAMA overall score were all decreased significantly in CTM group, while the Y-BOCS score reduction rate was increased significantly. Insight was improved in eight cases (57.14%) in the CTM group containing 14 cases with poor insight. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that CTM was beneficial for the insight improvement of OCD patients (OR = 91.04–139.68); this improvement was more pronounced in patients with low baseline BABS overall scores (OR = 0.07). Conclusion: CTM may be an effective short-term strategy to improve the severity of OCD and insight of OCD patients and, therefore, is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Amyloid β, Tau, and α-Synuclein aggregates in the pathogenesis, prognosis, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Aggregation of specific proteins are histopathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, such as, Amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD); morphologically different inclusions of ratiometric 3 repeat (3R) and 4 repeat (4R) tau isoforms in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Pick's disease (PiD); α-Synuclein (α-Syn) containing Lewy bodies (LBs) and dystrophic Lewy neurites (LNs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, mixed brain protein pathologies have been frequently observed in many of these diseases and in normal aging brains, among which Aβ/tau and tau/α-Syn crosstalks have received increased attention. Interestingly, studies have also shown synergistic interplay among Aβ, tau, and α-Syn in several neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting a protein triumvirate. In this review, we summarize the emerging evidence of Aβ, tau, and α-Syn aggregation in pathophysiology, and their overlap in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases including AD, PSP, PiD, CBD, PD and DLB. We discuss the prognostic advancements made in biomarker and imaging techniques in the triumvirate proteinopathies. Finally, we discuss the combined therapeutic modality involving biomarkers and imaging techniques for future combinatorial immunotherapeutic targeting more than one protein aggregates. We hope that such a multitarget therapeutic approach will have synergistic or additive effects to manage neurodegenerative diseases with two or more protein pathologies that might uncover a promising strategy for personalized combination therapies. Managing neurodegenerative diseases by optimizing the diagnostic criteria and the correct combination of immunotherapies will be a key factor in the success of future treatment.

IMMU-20. Effective CAR-T cell medulloblastoma therapy in an immunocompetent mouse model

Immunotherapy with chimeric antibody receptor (CAR) T cells is effective for previously incurable hematologic cancers and may transform treatment for refractory brain tumors. However, CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors has not yet been as successful as for leukemias, and animal models are needed to improve implementation. At present, preclinical studies of CAR-T cell therapy for brain tumors have typically used exogenous tumors, xenografted into immunocompromised mice, because primary mouse brain tumors do not express antigens that match brain tumor-specific antigens in humans. To advance preclinical development of CAR-T brain tumor therapy, we engineered mice to develop medulloblastomas that express B7-H3, an antigen specifically expressed on human medulloblastomas and other pediatric brain tumors. We show that treating these tumors with B7-H3-directed CAR-T cells provokes anti-tumor responses both in vitro and in vivo. Administering B7-H3 CAR-T cells by intracranial injection increased the event-free survival time of mice with medulloblastoma, in a dose-dependent manner. CAR-T cell treatment was not curative as an isolated intervention, suggesting that cure will require pairing with surgical resection and additional adjuvant therapy. Our model presents new opportunities to study the mechanisms of CAR-T cell efficacy and recurrence in an immunocompetent host with intact vasculature and blood-brain barrier. Our ongoing studies using scRNA-seq will allow us to define therapy-induced changes in tumor cells, CAR-T cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment and to test new T-cell modifications and combinations of therapeutic modalities, toward a goal of optimizing CAR-T cell therapy for pediatric brain tumors.

An all-in-one nanomaterial derived from rGO-MoS2 for photo/chemotherapy of tuberculosis

A combination of therapeutic modalities has recently emerged as an alternative technique for combating Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Combined Radionuclide Therapy and Immunotherapy for Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of the disease with poor clinical outcomes and limited therapeutic options. Immune checkpoint blockade (CP) has surged to the forefront of cancer therapies with widespread clinical success in a variety of cancer types. However, the percentage of TNBC patients that benefit from CP as a monotherapy is low, and clinical trials have shown the need for combined therapeutic modalities. Specifically, there has been interest in combining CP therapy with radiation therapy where clinical studies primarily with external beam have suggested their therapeutic synergy, contributing to the development of anti-tumor immunity. Here, we have developed a therapeutic platform combining radionuclide therapy (RT) and immunotherapy utilizing a radiolabeled biomolecule and CP in an E0771 murine TNBC tumor model. Survival studies show that while neither monotherapy is able to improve therapeutic outcomes, the combination of RT + CP extended overall survival. Histologic analysis showed that RT + CP increased necrotic tissue within the tumor and decreased levels of F4/80+ macrophages. Flow cytometry analysis of the peripheral blood also showed that RT + CP suppressed macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressive cells, both of which actively contribute to immune escape and tumor relapse.

Development of Drug Delivery Technology and Nanomedicine by Using Gold Nanoparticles

Nanomedicine is a new medical field involving the use of nanoparticles. Early examples of biocompatible nanomedicines include liposomes (Doxil®) and albumin nanoparticles (Abraxane®), and promising new nanomedicines include nanocarriers such as nanomicelles and nanoemulsions. A new trend towards the use of metal-based nanoparticles, including gold nanoparticles, has led to global clinical trials. These particles exhibit novel properties compared to conventional nanomedicines such as liposomes and albumin nanoparticles. These properties hold promise for nanomedicines, and thus the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of metal-based nanoparticles should be carefully investigated. This had led to an increasing number of clinical trials investigating metal nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles. The present review evaluates multi-functional gold nanoparticles described in recent articles and shows that the unique properties of gold nanoparticles are applicable for not only drug delivery, but also for imaging. The combined therapeutic modality between therapeutics and diagnostics is called "theranostics" and is promising for future personalized cancer therapy. This review also introduces recent research from our laboratory involving the use of various kinds of molecules [polyethylene glycol (PEG), drug/cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, biosimilars and small interfering (siRNAs)] loaded onto and/or conjugated with gold nanoparticles.

Efficacy of a combination approach using subcision, fillers, and fractional carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of facial acne scars in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI

AbstractIntroductionAcne is one of the most common skin diseases, causing scars as a common and persistent complication. A single modality of treatment is not completely effective, and hence a combination of therapeutic modalities is required for the treatment. As the condition is very distressing in nature and leaves an impact at a psychological level, the patient often seeks quick results.AimsEfficacy of combined approach using subcision and fillers followed by fractional carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of facial acne scars in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types.MethodsOne hundred sixty‐five patients with Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types and Grades 2–4 acne scars, as per Goodman and Baron Acne Grading Scale, were enrolled. Subcision followed by hyaluronic acid filler was performed initially, followed by fractional carbon dioxide laser 2 weeks later. Standardized digital global photographs were obtained before treatment, before every laser session, and 6 months after the last laser session.ResultsUsing Goodman and Baron's Global Acne Scarring System, the patients showed significant improvement of both clinician and subjective scores in all grades of acne scars. No significant adverse events were noted.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to date which involves the combined approach of subcision and fillers, followed by fractional carbon dioxide laser sessions for the treatment of acne scars. The results show significant and persistent improvement, without considerable complications, in Fitzpatrick's skin types IV–VI. This protocol should thus be considered for the management of acne scars of the face.

Combined pH-responsive chemotherapy and glutathione-triggered photosensitization to overcome drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma — a SPP/JPP Young Investigator Award paper

Doxorubicin (DOX) resistance, which results in a reduced accumulation of DOX in the nucleus and hence decreased DNA damage, is a major challenge for chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma. In this paper, we combined chemotherapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) to combat DOX-resistant human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. We have prepared the polymeric micelles conjugating with DOX and zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) through a pH-responsive hydrazone linker and a glutathione (GSH)-responsive disulfide linker, respectively. The polymeric micelles (DOX-ZnPc-micelles) exhibited a spherical shape with a size of about 98 nm diameter and showed excellent stability in aqueous solution. Due to the self-quenching of the ZnPc inside the micelles, DOX-ZnPc-micelles did not emit fluorescence upon red light irradiation. Drug release experiments verified that DOX and ZnPc could be released under acidic conditions and reducing environments, respectively. A higher concentration of DOX was internalized into DOX-resistant R-HepG2 cells through the delivery of polymeric micelles when compared with the free DOX, hence DOX-ZnPc-micelles exhibited a significant enhancement in anticancer activity. The IC[Formula: see text] value of DOX against R-HepG2 cells was found to be 21 [Formula: see text]M when combined with PDT and it was 5-fold less than that of a single treatment of DOX (102 [Formula: see text]M). The DOX-ZnPc-micelles could induce cell apoptosis and necrosis on R-HepG2 cells by combined therapeutic modalities, while these micelles induced only apoptosis on HepG2 cells. We have demonstrated that utilization of polymeric micelles can significantly enhance the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of DOX against R-HepG2 cells when compared with free DOX. Moreover, PDT can act as an adjuvant therapeutic modality and combine with chemotherapy to further improve therapeutic efficacy. Overall speaking, DOX-ZnPc-micelles can overcome DOX resistance and induce a synergistic therapeutic effect against DOX-resistant R-HepG2 cells, hence improving the therapeutic efficacy when compared with monotherapy.

Nanotheranostics With the Combination of Improved Targeting, Therapeutic Effects, and Molecular Imaging.

There is an increasing interest in the design of targeted carrier systems with combined therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Therapeutic modalities targeting tumors with single ligand-based targeting nanocarriers are insufficient for proficient delivery and for targeting two different surface receptors that are overexpressed in cancer cells. Here, we evaluated an activated nanoparticle delivery system comprising fucoidan/hyaluronic acid to improve therapeutic efficacy. The system comprised polyethylene glycol-gelatin-encapsulated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide; PLGA), and stable iron oxide nanoparticles (IOs). The latter enables targeting of prostate cancers in their molecular images. We demonstrate the transfer of nanoparticles and their entry into prostate cancer cells through ligand-specific recognition. This system may prove the benefits of drug delivery that enhances the inhibition of cell growth through apoptosis induction. Moreover, the improved targeting of nanotheranostics significantly suppressed orthotopic prostate tumor growth and more accurately targeted tumors compared with systemic combination therapy. In the presence of nanoparticles with iron oxides, the hypointensity of the prostate tumor was visualized on a T2-weignted magnetic resonance image. The diagnostic ability of this system was demonstrated by accumulating fluorescent nanoparticles in the prostate tumor from the in vivo imaging system, computed tomography. It is suggested that theranostic nanoparticles combined with a molecular imaging system can be a promising cancer therapy in the future.

Treatment strategy and outcomes in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a nationwide retrospective cohort study (KCSG HN13\u201301)

BackgroundBy investigating treatment patterns and outcomes in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC), we aimed at providing valuable insights into the optimal therapeutic strategy for physicians in real-world practice.MethodsThis is a multi-institutional study enrolled the patients with stage III to IVB LA-HNSCC, except for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, from 2004 to 2015 in thirteen referral hospitals capable of multidisciplinary care.ResultsA total of 445 LA-HNSCC patients were analyzed. The median age was 61 years (range, 24–89). The primary tumor location was the oropharynx in 191 (43%), oral cavity in 106 (24%), hypopharynx in 64 (14%), larynx in 57 (13%) and other sites in 27 (6%). The most common stage was T2 in 172 (39%), and N2 in 245 (55%). Based on treatment intents, 229 (52%) of the patients received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and 187 (42%) underwent surgery. Approximately 158 (36%) of the study population received induction chemotherapy (IC). Taken together, 385 (87%) of the patients underwent combined therapeutic modalities. The regimen for definitive CCRT was weekly cisplatin in 58%, 3-weekly cisplatin in 28% and cetuximab in 3%. The preferred regimen for IC was docetaxel with cisplatin in 49%, and docetaxel, cisplatin plus fluorouracil in 27%. With a median follow-up of 39 months, one-year and two-year survival rates were 89 and 80%, respectively. Overall survival was not significantly different between CCRT and surgery group (p = 0.620).ConclusionsIn patients with LA-HNSCC, the majority of patients received combined therapeutic modalities. Definitive CCRT, IC then definitive CCRT, and surgery followed by adjuvant CCRT or radiotherapy are the preferred multidisciplinary strategies in real-world practice.

Coadministration of auraptene and radiotherapy; a novel modality against colon carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Background: Use of ionizing radiation (IR) is a common therapeutic modality for patients with colon carcinoma, although resistance of cancer cells and unintended toxicity reduce clinical outcomes.Purpose: To enhance radioresponse of colon cancer cells, we designed a novel approach using auraptene (AUR) in combination with ionizing radiation (IR).Methods: For in vitro studies, CT26 cells were pretreated with AUR and irradiated at different doses. Then, cell viability was evaluated by alamarBlue assay, and the mechanism of cell death was elucidated using annexin V-PI. To determine efficacy of our combined therapeutic modality in vivo, AUR was injected intraperitoneally to murine models of colon carcinoma followed by IR, and then quantitative measurements and histopathological examinations were performed. For molecular analyses, real time PCR and Western blot were carried out.Results: Assessment of cell viability indicated significant enhancement of IR effects by AUR that was also confirmed by increased number of apoptotic cells. In vivo studies further demonstrated improved outcome in IR, since significant regression in tumor size was observed after administration of AUR + IR. Molecular analyses revealed down regulation of Cyclin D1 and CD44, along with involvement of PI3K-AKT-mTORC signaling pathway and Caspase-3 in observed combinatorial effects.Conclusion: Taken together, current findings support our previous reports on sensitizing effects of AUR and that AUR could be used as a promising adjunct to IR in cancer treatment.

Combination immunotherapy of oncolytic virus nanovesicles and PD-1 blockade effectively enhances therapeutic effects and boosts antitumour immune response

Immunotherapies are changing the landscape of melanoma treatment, but 70% of the melanoma patients have no response to immune checkpoint inhibitors or oncolytic virus therapy. Thus, novel formulations are needed to improve the population benefiting from immunotherapy. Here, we report a combined therapeutic modality based on oncolytic virus nanovesicles composed of CaCl2, oncolytic virus Ad5, lecithin and cholesterol (Lipo-Cap–Ad5) with immune checkpoint blockade (anti-PD-1 antibody). We investigated in vivo antitumour activity, systemic toxicity and mechanism of antitumour immune responses of Lipo-Cap–Ad5 + anti-PD-1 blockade, in a murine B16F10 tumour xenograft model. Through a series of in vivo studies, we found that Lipo-Cap–Ad5 in combination with anti-PD-1 blockade drastically reduced the tumour growth by 76.6%, and prolonged animals’ survival with no obvious toxicity observed in heart, liver and kidney. The combination therapy facilitates tumour infiltration of effector CD4+, CD8+ T cells and increases secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Therefore, Lipo-Cap–Ad5 in combination with anti-PD-1 blockade can potentiate and activate the immune system synergistically, ultimately creating a pro-inflammatory environment. These results suggest that combination immunotherapy of Lipo-Cap–Ad5 and anti-PD-1 blockade developed in this study has promising applications to enhance therapeutic efficacy with the potential of being translated into clinical practice.

Pulmonary Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (P-LCNEC) is a rare, poorly differentiated, non-small cell malignancy within the spectrum of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the lung. Despite sharing several similarities with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in their clinical, immunohistopathological, genomic, and prognostic features, it is a distinct and biologically heterogeneous entity with challenging diagnostic and therapeutic requirements. Given the lack of prospective, randomized data to guide management, it is common practice to pursue thoracic surgery for resectable tumors according to the guidelines for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and implement systemic chemotherapy as early as at stage I, similar to the treatment of SCLC. However, important issues, such as the optimal timing and combination of therapeutic modalities, the most effective type of chemotherapy for advanced-stage disease, and the benefit from prophylactic cranial irradiation, remain debated. Accumulating evidence from retrospective, molecular profiling studies supports the existence of at least two P-LCNEC subtypes, most notably a SCLC-like and a NSCLC-like phenotype, which presumably underlie the observed differential sensitivity to platinum-based regimens and warrant further validation as predictive biomarkers of efficacy. Furthermore, several potentially actionable, driver molecular alterations have been identified, offering implications for personalized treatment approaches, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The current review discusses open questions on the diagnosis and management of P-LCNEC, as well as recent advances in its genomic and transcriptomic characterization that create promising therapeutic opportunities.

Herniarin, a natural coumarin loaded novel targeted plasmonic silver nanoparticles for light activated chemo-photothermal therapy in preclinical model of breast cancer

Background: The conventional chemotherapeutic approach for breast cancer involves use of free drug substances that succumb into considerable systemic toxicity. For the past few decades biologically active phytochemicals like coumarins have gained much interest against breast cancer. However, there are lacunas in direct use of these potent biomolecules that impede their pharmacological functions. On the other hand, recent years have also witnessed great advancements in stimuli actuated nanotherapeutics as combined treatment strategies in critical breast cancer cases. Objectives: In this study we formulated novel pentagonal plasmonic silver nanoparticles as folate receptor targeted light responsive nano-delivery platform for a potent coumarin derivative, Herniarin to improve its therapeutic proficiency. Materials and Methods: Primarily, we synthesized plasmonic silver based nanoscopic carrier for herniarin to facilitate its tumor targeted delivery via folate receptors. These formulated nanoparticles (Herniarin quenched, folic acid furnished, HER-FA-AgNPs) were subjected to series of physicochemical tests, followed by detailed in-vitro and in-vivo testing in breast cancer cell lines and DMBA induced breast cancer model in rats, respectively. Results: The pentagonal nanoparticles observed in transmission electron microscopy demonstrated strong plasmonic tunability in the NIR region while its key feature of transforming light into heat energy when exposed to laser (800 nm) allowed photothermal therapy to supplement the chemotherapeutic potential of Herniarin as illustrated in various in-vitro studies. The in-vivo studies including detailed cellular investigations of breast tissues through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and histopathology reflected the improved outcome of combined therapeutic modalities (hyperthermia + chemotherapy) achieved by HER-FA-AgNPs. Conclusion: Thus, these novel nanoparticles may serve as an efficient as well as safe drug-disposing vehicle for combined and strategic therapy of breast cancer.

Light-Induced Therapies for Prostate Cancer Treatment.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most widespread tumors affecting the urinary system and the fifth-leading cause from cancer death in men worldwide. Despite PC mortality rates have been decreasing during the last years, most likely due to an intensification of early diagnosis, still more than 300,000 men die each year because of this disease. In this view, researchers in all countries are engaged in finding new ways to tackle PC, including the design and synthesis of novel molecular and macromolecular entities able to challenge different PC biological targets, while limiting the extent of unwanted side effects that significantly limit men's life quality. Among this field of research, photo-induced therapies, such as photodynamic and photothermal therapies (PDT and PTT), might represent an important advancement in PC treatment due to their extremely localized and controlled cytotoxic effect, as well as their low incidence of side effects and tumor resistance occurrence. Based on these considerations, this review aims to gather and discuss the last 5-years literature reports dealing with the synthesis and biological activity of molecular conjugates and nano-platforms for photo-induced therapies as co-adjuvant or combined therapeutic modalities for the treatment of localized PC.

Metastatic atypical lung carcinoid treated with combined therapeutic modalities

Introduction. Lung carcinoids are considered a rare and uncommon group of lung tumors, making about 1% of all primary lung tumors. Atypical carcinoids are more aggressive than typical ones, with higher metastatic potential and worse prognosis and a 10-year survival rate of less than 60%. Case outline. In 2012, a 61-year-old male underwent the right lower lobectomy and the histopathological finding was an atypical lung carcinoid tumor. At the beginning of 2016, radiological and bronchoscopic progression of the disease was reported. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enhanced nodular lesions compatible with liver metastases. The patient received endoluminal brachytherapy. Subsequently, the first line chemotherapy according to the cisplatin/etoposide (PE) protocol was applied. In August 2016, the somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) revealed secondary deposits with somatostatin receptor (SR) expression in the liver and lungs. The treatment with lanreotide injections was initiated. After five treatment courses, progression of the disease in the bronchial tree was verified and electro-cauterization and argon plasma cauterization of the tumor in the right main bronchus were performed. In September 2017, progression of the disease was verified again. The Oncology Board introduced the third line therapy with everolimus. Conclusion. The evidence supporting optimal treatment strategies for an atypical lung carcinoid tumor is lacking, but some recent publications indicate that multimodal treatment is associated with prolonged survival.