Conventional Cancer Therapies Research Articles

Exploring the Potential of Stem Cells to Enhance Conventional Cancer Therapies

Abstract. Stem cell-based therapies are emerging as promising adjuncts to conventional cancer treatments, offering innovative strategies to target cancer cells and enhance patient recovery. This paper explores the potential of stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMCs), to improve cancer treatment outcomes through their regenerative and differentiation capabilities. MSCs exhibit significant promise due to their ability to inhibit tumor growth, support tissue regeneration, and modulate immune responses. Their unique features, including targeted homing to tumor sites and the secretion of bioactive molecules, present novel approaches to overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies. Despite these advancements, challenges such as immune rejection and tumorigenicity must be addressed. Current strategies to mitigate these issues involve immunosuppressive drugs, genetic engineering, and advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. However, the reviewed studies often involve small sample sizes or remain in the laboratory phase, limiting the generalizability of findings. Future research should focus on larger-scale clinical trials to validate the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapies, aiming to refine these treatments and integrate them into clinical practice.

Recent advances in polymeric and lipid stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

Conventional cancer therapy has major limitations, including non-specificity, unavoidable side effects, low specific tumor accumulation and systemic toxicity. In recent years, more effective and precise treatment methods have been developed, including cell-based immunotherapy. Carriers that can accurately and specifically target cells and equip them to combat cancer cells are particularly important for developing this therapy. As a result, attention has been drawn to smart nanocarriers that can react to specific stimuli. Thus, stimuli-responsive nanocarriers have attracted increasing attention because they can change their physicochemical properties in response to stimulus conditions, such as pH, enzymes, redox agents, hypoxia, light and temperature. This review highlights recent advances in various stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, discussing loading, targeted delivery, cellular uptake, biocompatibility and immunomodulation in cell-based immunotherapy. Finally, future challenges and perspectives regarding the possible clinical translation of nanocarriers are discussed.

Influence of therapy exposures on specific late morbidities, prescription drug purchases, and mortality in aging male survivors of childhood cancer: A registry-based study.

Childhood cancer treatments predispose to late health problems and premature death. Our aim was to use national registry data to study associations between cancer therapy exposures and late health outcomes in aging male childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The study comprised 200 male CCS (survival ≥5 years) treated with conventional cancer therapy at a single institution in 1964-2000 and 1000 matched population controls. Analyses involved registry-based data on prescription drug purchases, reimbursements for chronic conditions, hospital admissions, and deaths that occurred ≥5 years after the cancer diagnosis. Mean age of CCS was 45.4 years. Compared to population controls, CCS had a higher risk for hospital admissions due to cardiovascular diseases and late mortality, both of which increased after age 40 years. CCS also had a higher risk for purchases of antihypertensives and lipid-lowering drugs within the last year of the study. Heart radiation ≥10 Gy was associated with hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diseases (HR 4.14, 95%CI 1.81-9.48), purchases of antihypertensives (OR 3.05, 95%CI 1.32-7.36), and purchases of lipid-lowering drugs (OR 2.93, 95%CI 1.08-7.73). Testosterone deficiency developed typically during pediatric follow-up, and it was associated with testicular radiation ≥20 Gy (HR 41.2, 95%CI 15.4-110) but not with alkylating agents. Of patients treated with testicular radiation ≥20 Gy, 91% had purchased testosterone within the last year. Reassuringly, CCS had no excess risk for purchases of opioids, anxiolytics, antiepileptics, or antidepressants. These findings emphasize the need for risk-based follow-up. Middle-aged male CCS are at an increased risk of premature cardiovascular morbidity and excess mortality.

Omics-Enhanced Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy.

Cancer nanomedicine has emerged as a promising approach to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer therapies, offering enhanced efficacy and safety in cancer management. However, the inherent heterogeneity of tumors presents increasing challenges for the application of cancer nanomedicine in both diagnosis and treatment. This heterogeneity necessitates the integration of advanced and high-throughput analytical techniques to tailor nanomedicine strategies to individual tumor profiles. Omics technologies, encompassing genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and more, provide unparalleled insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer. By dissecting tumor heterogeneity across multiple levels, these technologies offer robust support for the development of personalized and precise cancer nanomedicine strategies. In this review, the principles, techniques, and applications of key omics technologies are summarized. Especially, the synergistic integration of omics and nanomedicine in cancer therapy is explored, focusing on enhanced diagnostic accuracy, optimized therapeutic strategies and the assessment of nanomedicine-mediated biological responses. Moreover, this review addresses current challenges and outlines future directions in the field of omics-enhanced nanomedicine. By offering valuable insights and guidance, this review aims to advance the integration of omics with nanomedicine, ultimately driving improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer.

Recent advances in mRNA-based cancer vaccines encoding immunostimulants and their delivery strategies

The high prevalence of drug resistance, relapse, and unfavorable response rate of conventional cancer therapies necessitate the development of more efficient treatment modalities. Immunotherapy represents a novel therapeutic approach to cancer treatment in which the immune system's potential is harnessed to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. mRNA cancer vaccines, as a burgeoning field of immunotherapy, have recently drawn particular attention, and among mRNAs encoding tumor-associated antigens, tumor-specific antigens, and immune stimulatory factors, the latter has been relatively less explored. These immunostimulatory mRNAs encode a range of proteins, including stimulatory ligands, receptors, enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibitory binding proteins, which collectively augment the host immune system's ability against cancerous cells. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive account of mRNA-based cancer vaccines encoding immune stimulants, encompassing their current status, mechanisms of action, delivery strategies employed, as well as recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies. The potential challenges, strategies and future perspectives have also been discussed.

Curcumin as a complementary treatment in oncological therapy: a systematic review.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is employed by numerous cancer patients to support conventional cancer therapy. This systematic review aims to summarize the existing clinical evidence and to provide an overview of the potential benefits and risks associated with curcumin supplementation. In January 2024, we conducted a systematic search of five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Medline) using a complex search strategy. We included randomized controlled trials on the use, effectiveness, and potential harm of additional curcumin therapy in adult patients under cancer treatment. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane revised Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. This systematic review included 34 randomized controlled trials involving 2580 patients out of 11143 search results. Included patients were primarily diagnosed with head and neck cancer, followed by breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Therapy concepts encompassed topical or systemic curcumin administration. The studies reported heterogeneous results concerning oral and skin symptoms, pain, weight alteration and changes in body composition, survival, and disease progression. Significant findings were reported for oral mucositis and weight loss. Considering risk of bias, all studies had moderate to high risk of bias. Regarding side effects, one study reported significantly more vomiting in the curcumin group. Although the results suggest promise in reducing mucositis and weight loss, a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of curcumin therapy on cancer patients cannot be made due to heterogeneous results and methodological limitations of the involved studies. Further investigations of higher quality are necessary to derive a definite recommendation for action.

Targeting Tumor Hypoxia with Nanoparticle-Based Therapies: Challenges, Opportunities, and Clinical Implications.

Hypoxia is a crucial factor in tumor biology, affecting various solid tumors to different extents. Its influence spans both early and advanced stages of cancer, altering cellular functions and promoting resistance to therapy. Hypoxia reduces the effectiveness of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, making it a target for improving therapeutic outcomes. Despite extensive research, gaps persist, necessitating the exploration of new chemical and pharmacological interventions to modulate hypoxia-related pathways. This review discusses the complex pathways involved in hypoxia and the associated pharmacotherapies, highlighting the limitations of current treatments. It emphasizes the potential of nanoparticle-based platforms for delivering anti-hypoxic agents, particularly oxygen (O2), to the tumor microenvironment. Combining anti-hypoxic drugs with conventional cancer therapies shows promise in enhancing remission rates. The intricate relationship between hypoxia and tumor progression necessitates novel therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems can significantly improve cancer treatment efficacy by targeting hypoxia-associated pathways. The synergistic effects of combined therapies underscore the importance of multimodal approaches in overcoming hypoxia-mediated resistance. Continued research and innovation in this area hold great potential for advancing cancer therapy and improving patient outcomes.

The Potential of Nanotechnology in Anti-Cancer Drug to Regulate Nrf2 Signaling for Cancer Therapeutic Purposes.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a regulator of the cellular antioxidant defense system that plays an important role in reducing the risk of various pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. Targeting Nrf2 presents an attractive therapeutic approach to overcome these challenges and improve cancer treatment outcomes. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, offer several advantages over conventional therapies for targeting Nrf2. These include enhanced stability, improved permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting capabilities. Moreover, delivery systems based on nanotechnology have shown promise in overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapies, including ineffective precision targeting and momentous complications. The therapeutic efficacy of Nrf2 inhibitors may be enhanced by using nanoparticles for specific drug targeting and deeper tissue penetration. This involves optimizing nanoparticle formulations, understanding their interactions with the biological environment, and ensuring their safety and biocompatibility. Effective nanoparticle formulations are being developed to transport Nrf2 inhibitors, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and address the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of nanotechnology in targeting Nrf2 for cancer therapeutic purposes.

Microbial Therapeutics in Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Bacterial Role in Cancer Treatment.

Conventional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have significantly advanced cancer treatment. However, these modalities often face limitations such as systemic toxicity, lack of specificity, and the emergence of resistance. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have rekindled interest in using bacteria as a novel therapeutic approach in oncology. This comprehensive review explores the potential of microbial therapeutics, particularly bacterial therapies, in the treatment of cancer. Bacterial therapies offer several unique advantages, such as the ability to selectively target and colonize hypoxic and necrotic regions of tumors, areas typically resistant to conventional treatments. The review delves into the mechanisms through which bacteria exert antitumor effects, including direct tumor cell lysis, modulation of the immune response, and delivery of therapeutic agents like cytotoxins and enzymes. Various bacterial species, such as Salmonella, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Listeria, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrating diverse mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Moreover, the review discusses the challenges associated with bacterial therapies, such as safety concerns, immune evasion, and the need for precise targeting, and how recent advances in genetic engineering are being used to overcome these hurdles. Current clinical trials and combination strategies with conventional therapies are also highlighted to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing developments in this field. In conclusion, while bacterial therapeutics present a novel and promising avenue in cancer treatment, further research and clinical validation is required to fully realize their potential. This review aims to inspire further exploration into microbial oncology, paving the way for innovative and more effective cancer therapies.

Targeted delivery of letrozole-loaded Mg-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used as an anticancer drug. Conventional Letrozole therapies for breast cancer often cause adverse effects when administered orally or parenterally. Efforts have been made to develop an advanced drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment, aiming to improve drug release accuracy and therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. This study focuses on magnesium-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (Mg-doped CFNPs) as potential drug delivery carrier for breast cancer treatment. Mg-doped CFNPs with the chemical formula Co1-xMgxFe2O4 (where x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) were synthesized with different concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 % by the sol gel method with a fine size of 30–70 nm and their characteristics such as surface morphology, structural properties, chemical composition, and charge were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential analysis respectively. After synthesis, the Mg-doped CFNPs were coated with Poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and encapsulated with Letrozole, which exhibited <10 % hemolytic activity across all concentrations, as well as minimal cytotoxic effects on non-cancerous cells (HEK-293) but exhibited significant toxicity towards breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231).The best results were obtained at a concentration of 25 % in both the hemolytic assay and the MTT assay, which indicated that increasing the amount of magnesium in cobalt decreased the toxicity and increased the drug release efficiency of nanoparticles.

Heterocyclic Phytochemicals as Anticancer Agents.

Cancer continues to be a major global health challenge, driving the need for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. Among these, heterocyclic phytochemicals have gained significant attention for their potential as anticancer agents. This review offers a detailed analysis of various classes of heterocyclic compounds with proven anticancer properties, shedding light on their mechanisms of action. The study draws from a diverse array of natural product sources, detailing the chemical structures and bioactivities of these compounds. Key heterocyclic classes such as alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids are emphasized due to their potent anticancer effects. Heterocyclic phytochemicals exhibit diverse anticancer mechanisms, including the modulation of cellular pathways like apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell cycle progression. The combination of heterocyclic phytochemicals with conventional cancer therapies has shown promising synergistic effects, enhanced treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. The review systematically evaluates both preclinical and clinical studies, revealing the efficacy, safety profiles, and pharmacokinetics of selected heterocyclic compounds. The promising outcomes highlighted in this review underscore the critical need for ongoing research to fully realize the therapeutic potential of heterocyclic phytochemicals in cancer treatment.

Investigation of the Application of Reduced Graphene Oxide-SPION Quantum Dots for Magnetic Hyperthermia.

Integrating hyperthermia with conventional cancer therapies shows promise in improving treatment efficacy while mitigating their side effects. Nanotechnology-based hyperthermia, particularly using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), offers a simplified solution for cancer treatment. In this study, we developed composites of SPION quantum dots (Fe3O4) with reduced graphene oxide (Fe3O4/RGO) using the coprecipitation method and investigated their potential application in magnetic hyperthermia. The size of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was controlled within the quantum dot range (≤10 nm) by varying the synthesis parameters, including reaction time as well as the concentration of ammonia and graphene oxide, where their biocompatibility was further improved with the inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG). These nanocomposites exhibited low cytotoxic effects on healthy cells (CHO-K1) over an incubation period of 24 h, though the inclusion of PEG enhanced their biocompatibility for longer incubation periods over 48 h. The Fe3O4/RGO composites dispersed in acidic pH buffer (pH 4.66) exhibited considerable heating effects, with the solution temperature increasing by ~10 °C within 5 min of exposure to pulsed magnetic fields, as compared to their dispersions in phosphate buffer and aqueous dimethylsulfoxide solutions. These results demonstrated the feasibility of using quantum dot Fe3O4/RGO composites for magnetic hyperthermia-based therapy to treat cancer, with further studies required to systematically optimize their magnetic properties and evaluate their efficacy for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Immunomodulatory Activity and Inhibitory Effects of Viscum album on Cancer Cells, Its Safety Profiles and Recent Nanotechnology Development.

Viscum album has been employed traditionally to treat various ailments including as add-on therapy for cancer treatment. V.album formulations have been employed as adjuvants in cancer treatment due to their immunomodulatory activities as well as to alleviate the side effects of conventional cancer therapies. The present review provides updated information from the past 10 years on the immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effects of V.album on cancer cells, its safety profile, and recent nanotechnology development. V.album extracts and their bioactive phytochemicals, particularly lectins, viscotoxins, and polyphenols, have demonstrated immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effects against various types of cancer, with low cytotoxicity and side effects, in experimental studies and demonstrated promising anticancer activity in clinical studies in cancer patients. V.album extracts have been shown to enhance immune function by promoting cytokine secretion and inducing both innate and adaptive immune responses, which can help improve immune surveillance against cancer cells. The development of V.album nanoparticles has boosted their biological activities, including inhibitory activity on cancer cells, and could possibly reduce undesired side effects of the plant. Further prospective studies on the plant as a source of new medicinal agents for use as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer must be performed to provide sufficient efficacy and safety data.

Evaluating the efficacy of Rose Bengal-PVA combinations within PCL/PLA implants for sustained cancer treatment.

The current investigation aims to address the limitations of conventional cancer therapy by developing an advanced, long-term drug delivery system using biocompatible Rose Bengal (RB)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices incorporated into 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) implants. The anticancer drug RB's high solubility and low lipophilicity require frequent and painful administration to the tumour site, limiting its clinical application. In this study, RB was encapsulated in a PVA (RB@PVA) matrix to overcome these challenges and achieve a localised and sustained drug release system within a biodegradable implant designed to be implanted near the tumour site. The RB@PVA matrix demonstrated an RB loading efficiency of 77.34 ± 1.53%, with complete RB release within 30min. However, when integrated into implants, the system provided a sustained RB release of 75.84 ± 8.75% over 90 days. Cytotoxicity assays on PC-3 prostate cancer cells indicated an IC50 value of 1.19 µM for RB@PVA compared to 2.49 µM for free RB, effectively inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. This innovative drug delivery system, which incorporates a polymer matrix within an implantable device, represents a significant advancement in the sustained release of hydrosoluble drugs. It holds promise for reducing the frequency of drug administration, thereby improving patient compliance and translating experimental research into practical therapeutic applications.

Histotripsy: A Promising Modality for Cancer Treatment

Histotripsy is an innovative non-invasive modality utilizing high-intensity focused ultrasound to induce mechanical tissue disruption via controlled cavitation. It represents a promising approach in oncology, offering a targeted alternative to conventional cancer therapies. The method relies on precise acoustic energy to create microbubbles that implode, causing cellular destruction within the targeted area while sparing surrounding tissues. In this review, we have explored the foundational principles underlying histotripsy, outlining how it leverages the physics of sound and cavitation to achieve precise tissue disruption. We have delved into the specific mechanisms by which histotripsy induces cell death. This review provides an overview of the current clinical applications of histotripsy in the treatment of various cancers, highlighting its benefits and the clinical outcomes reported thus far. Further, the review examines the breadth of ongoing research related to histotripsy. Looking to the future, the review discusses the promising implications of histotripsy for revolutionizing cancer care.

Phytochemicals and Nanotechnology: A Powerful Combination against Breast Cancer.

Considerable advancements have been made in breast cancer therapeutics in the past few decades. However, the advent of chemo-resistance and adverse drug reactions coupled with tumor metastasis and recurrence posed a serious threat to combat this lethal disease. Novel anti-cancer agents, as well as new therapeutic strategies, are needed to complement conventional breast cancer therapies. The quest for developing novel anti-cancer drugs caused an upsurge in exploring and harnessing natural compounds, especially phytochemicals. Various research groups have explored and documented the anti-cancer potential of wide variety of phytochemical groups including flavonoids (curcumin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin, genistein epigallocatechin gallate), stilbenes (resveratrol), carotenoids (crocin, lycopene, lutein), and anthraquinone (Emodin). However, low chemical stability, poor water solubility, and short systemic half-life impede their clinical utility. The implication of nano-technological approaches to decode the pharmacokinetic challenges associated with phytochemical usage, as well as selective drug targeting, have markedly enhanced the pre-clinical anti-cancer activity, thus aiding in their clinical translation. This review documented the recent advances in utilizing phytochemicals for breast cancer prevention and lipidbased nanotechnological approaches for circumventing their pharmacokinetic concerns to enhance their systemic availability, cytotoxicity, and targeted delivery against breast cancer alone as well as in combination with conventional therapeutic agents.

Synthesis, characterization and application of hydrogel for cancer treatment

The purpose of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of hydrogels in cancer therapy. This aims to explore the definition of hydrogels and their unique characteristics of hydrogel, role of hydrogel in cancer therapy, cancer therapy treatment approaches, challenges in cancer therapy, that make them suitable for use in cancer treatment. It seeks to emphasize on the integration of innovative approaches and new technologies in addressing the challenges of conventional cancer therapies and to highlight their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment approaches. The review will delve into different types of hydrogels, methods of preparation of hydrogel including natural and synthetic hydrogels, providing insights into their characteristics, synthesis methods, and tenability. Furthermore, it will examine the diverse applications of hydrogels in cancer therapy, such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, localized therapy, and combination therapies.

Ecological and evolutionary dynamics to design and improve ovarian cancer treatment.

Ovarian cancer ecosystems are exceedingly complex, consisting of a high heterogeneity of cancer cells. Development of drugs such as poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, targeted therapies and immunotherapies offer more options for sequential or combined treatments. Nevertheless, mortality in metastatic ovarian cancer patients remains high because cancer cells consistently develop resistance to single and combination therapies, urging a need for treatment designs that target the evolvability of cancer cells. The evolutionary dynamics that lead to resistance emerge from the complex tumour microenvironment, the heterogeneous populations, and the individual cancer cell's plasticity. We propose that successful management of ovarian cancer requires consideration of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of the disease. Here, we review current options and challenges in ovarian cancer treatment and discuss principles of tumour evolution. We conclude by proposing evolutionarily designed strategies for ovarian cancer, with the goal of integrating such principles with longitudinal, quantitative data to improve the treatment design and management of drug resistance. KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS: Tumours are ecosystems in which cancer and non-cancer cells interact and evolve in complex and dynamic ways. Conventional therapies for ovarian cancer inevitably lead to the development of resistance because they fail to consider tumours' heterogeneity and cellular plasticity. Eco-evolutionarily designed therapies should consider cancer cell plasticity and patient-specific characteristics to improve clinical outcome and prevent relapse.

Antimigratory Effect of Lipophilic Cations Derived from Gallic and Gentisic Acid and Synergistic Effect with 5-Fluorouracil on Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells: A New Synthesis Route.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Standard drugs currently used for the treatment of advanced CRC-such as 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-remain unsatisfactory in their results due to their high toxicity, high resistance, and adverse effects. In recent years, mitochondria have become an attractive target for cancer therapy due to higher transmembrane mitochondrial potential. We synthesized gallic acid derivatives linked to a ten-carbon aliphatic chain associated with triphenylphosphonium (TPP+C10), a lipophilic cationic molecule that induces the uncoupling of the electron transport chain (ETC). Other derivatives, such as gentisic acid (GA-TPP+C10), have the same effects on colorectal cancer cells. Although part of our group had previously reported preparing these structures by a convergent synthesis route, including their application via flow chemistry, there was no precedent for a new methodology for preparing these compounds. In this scenario, this study aims to develop a new linear synthesis strategy involving an essential step of Steglich esterification under mild conditions (open flask) and a high degree of reproducibility. Moreover, the study seeks to associate GA-TPP+C10 with 5FU to evaluate synergistic antineoplastic effects. In addition, we assess the antimigratory effect of GA-TPP+C10 and TPP+C10 using human and mouse metastatic CRC cell lines. The results show a new and efficient synthesis route of these compounds, having synergistic effects in combination with 5FU, increasing apoptosis and enhancing cytotoxic properties. Additionally, the results show a robust antimigratory effect of GATPP+C10 and TPP+C10, reducing the activation pathways linked to tumor progression and reducing the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 and MMP-9, common biomarkers of advanced CRC. Moreover, TPP+C10 and GA-TPP+C10 increase the activity of metabolic signaling pathways through AMPK activation. The data allow us to conclude that these compounds can be used for in vivo evaluations and are a promising alternative associated with conventional therapies for advanced colorectal cancer. Additionally, the reported intermediates of the new synthesis route could give rise to analog compounds with improved therapeutic activity.

Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterials for Tumor Immunotherapy.

Cancer remains a significant challenge in extending human life expectancy in the 21st century, with staggering numbers projected by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for upcoming years. While conventional cancer therapies exist, their limitations, in terms of efficacy and side effects, demand the development of novel treatments that selectively target cancer cells. Tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach, but low response rates and immune-related side effects present significant clinical challenges. Researchers have begun combining immunotherapy with nanomaterials to optimize tumor-killing effects. Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have become a focus of cancer immunotherapy research due to their unique properties. These nanomaterials target specific signals in the tumor microenvironment, such as pH or temperature changes, to precisely deliver therapeutic agents and minimize damage to healthy tissue. This article reviews the recent developments and clinical applications of endogenous and exogenous stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for tumor immunotherapy, analyzing the advantages and limitations of these materials and highlighting their potential for enhancing the immune response to cancer and improving patient outcomes.