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Cancers
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Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic
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Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 14299

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Stefania Biffi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Researcher, Institute of Maternal and Child Health, IRCSS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
Interests: molecular imaging; nano-theragnostic; ovarian cancer; extracellular vesicles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Matteo Calvaresi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Interests: nano-bio interface; proteins; phages; fullerenes; carbon nanotubes; graphene; carbon nanoparticles; carborane; calcium carbonate; molecular dynamics; docking; DFT; photocatalysis; photodynamic therapy; sonodynamic therapy; photo-thermal therapy; ROS; nanomedicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

"Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic" is an interdisciplinary field where nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology interact with the life sciences.

The use of nanomaterials offers numerous advantages when compared to conventional cancer medicine, including innovative therapeutic and imaging modalities, improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performances, enhanced tumor penetration and targeting, increased contrast efficiency and multi-spectral capabilities, possibility to develop smart delivery systems and point-of-care devices. Thanks to their multifunctional properties, nanomaterials also provide the opportunity of combining diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) in a single platform. 

This Special Issue of Cancers entitled "Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic" welcomes both original papers and review articles addressing recent research and novel developments in the field of nanomaterials for applications in cancer therapy and diagnostic, including their modelling, fabrication, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo applications.

Dr. Stefania Biffi
Prof. Dr. Matteo Calvaresi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanotherapy
  • nanodiagnostic
  • imaging
  • cancer
  • nanomedicine
  • cancer therapy
  • cancer diagnosis
  • nanoplatforms

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3234 KiB  
Article
Nano-Electrochemical Characterization of a 3D Bioprinted Cervical Tumor Model
by Maila Becconi, Simona De Zio, Francesco Falciani, Marzia Santamaria, Marco Malferrari and Stefania Rapino
Cancers 2023, 15(4), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15041327 - 19 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2468
Abstract
Current cancer research is limited by the availability of reliable in vivo and in vitro models that are able to reproduce the fundamental hallmarks of cancer. Animal experimentation is of paramount importance in the progress of research, but it is becoming more evident [...] Read more.
Current cancer research is limited by the availability of reliable in vivo and in vitro models that are able to reproduce the fundamental hallmarks of cancer. Animal experimentation is of paramount importance in the progress of research, but it is becoming more evident that it has several limitations due to the numerous differences between animal tissues and real, in vivo human tissues. 3D bioprinting techniques have become an attractive tool for many basic and applied research fields. Concerning cancer, this technology has enabled the development of three-dimensional in vitro tumor models that recreate the characteristics of real tissues and look extremely promising for studying cancer cell biology. As 3D bioprinting is a relatively recently developed technique, there is still a lack of characterization of the chemical cellular microenvironment of 3D bioprinted constructs. In this work, we fabricated a cervical tumor model obtained by 3D bioprinting of HeLa cells in an alginate-based matrix. Characterization of the spheroid population obtained as a function of culturing time was performed by phase-contrast and confocal fluorescence microscopies. Scanning electrochemical microscopy and platinum nanoelectrodes were employed to characterize oxygen concentrations—a fundamental characteristic of the cellular microenvironment—with a high spatial resolution within the 3D bioprinted cervical tumor model; we also demonstrated that the diffusion of a molecular model of drugs in the 3D bioprinted construct, in which the spheroids were embedded, could be measured quantitatively over time using scanning electrochemical microscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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21 pages, 6229 KiB  
Article
Free and Poly-Methyl-Methacrylate-Bounded BODIPYs: Photodynamic and Antimigratory Effects in 2D and 3D Cancer Models
by Marco Ballestri, Emanuela Marras, Enrico Caruso, Fabrizio Bolognese, Miryam Chiara Malacarne, Elisa Martella, Matilde Tubertini, Marzia Bruna Gariboldi and Greta Varchi
Cancers 2023, 15(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15010092 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1352
Abstract
Several limitations, including dark toxicity, reduced tumor tissue selectivity, low photostability and poor biocompatibility hamper the clinical use of Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer treatment. To overcome these limitations, new PSs have been synthetized, and often combined with drug delivery systems, to improve [...] Read more.
Several limitations, including dark toxicity, reduced tumor tissue selectivity, low photostability and poor biocompatibility hamper the clinical use of Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer treatment. To overcome these limitations, new PSs have been synthetized, and often combined with drug delivery systems, to improve selectivity and reduce toxicity. In this context, BODIPYs (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) have recently emerged as promising and easy-to-handle scaffolds for the preparation of effective PDT antitumor agents. In this study, the anticancer photodynamic effect of newly prepared negatively charged polymethyl methacrylate (nPMMA)-bounded BODIPYs (3@nPMMA and 6@nPMMA) was evaluated on a panel of 2D- and 3D-cultured cancer cell lines and compared with free BODIPYs. In particular, the effect on cell viability was evaluated, along with their ability to accumulate into the cells, induce apoptotic and/or necrotic cell death, and inhibit cellular migration. Our results indicated that 3@nPMMA and 6@nPMMA reduce cancer cell viability in 3D models of HC116 and MCF7 cells more effectively than the corresponding free compounds. Importantly, we demonstrated that MDA-MB231 and SKOV3 cell migration ability was significantly impaired by the PDT treatment mediated by 3@nPMMA and 6@nPMMA nanoparticles, likely indicating the capability of this approach to reduce metastatic tumor potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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23 pages, 2354 KiB  
Article
RGD_PLGA Nanoparticles with Docetaxel: A Route for Improving Drug Efficiency and Reducing Toxicity in Breast Cancer Treatment
by Enza Di Gregorio, Chiara Romiti, Antonino Di Lorenzo, Federica Cavallo, Giuseppe Ferrauto and Laura Conti
Cancers 2023, 15(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15010008 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1918
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although many therapeutic approaches are available, systemic chemotherapy remains the primary choice, especially for triple-negative and advanced breast cancers. Unfortunately, systemic chemotherapy causes serious side effects and requires high doses to achieve [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although many therapeutic approaches are available, systemic chemotherapy remains the primary choice, especially for triple-negative and advanced breast cancers. Unfortunately, systemic chemotherapy causes serious side effects and requires high doses to achieve an effective concentration in the tumor. Thus, the use of nanosystems for drug delivery may overcome these limitations. Herein, we formulated Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) containing Docetaxel, a fluorescent probe, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe. The cyclic RGD tripeptide was linked to the PLGA surface to actively target αvβ3 integrins, which are overexpressed in breast cancer. PLGA-NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, fast field-cycling 1H-relaxometry, and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Their therapeutic effects were assessed both in vitro in triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancer cells, and in vivo in murine models. In vivo MRI and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of excised tumors revealed a stronger accumulation of PLGA-NPs in the RGD_PLGA group. Targeted PLGAs have improved therapeutic efficacy and strongly reduced cardiac side effects compared to free Docetaxel. In conclusion, RGD-PLGA is a promising system for breast cancer treatment, with positive outcome in terms of therapeutic efficiency and reduction in side effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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15 pages, 2105 KiB  
Article
Platelet Activation in Ovarian Cancer Ascites: Assessment of GPIIb/IIIa and PF4 in Small Extracellular Vesicles by Nano-Flow Cytometry Analysis
by Barbara Bortot, Alessandro Mangogna, Ben Peacock, Rebecca Lees, Francesco Valle, Marco Brucale, Sara Tassinari, Federico Romano, Giuseppe Ricci and Stefania Biffi
Cancers 2022, 14(17), 4100; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174100 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2197
Abstract
In ovarian cancer, ascites represent the microenvironment in which the platelets extravasate to play their role in the disease progression. We aimed to develop an assay to measure ascites’ platelet activation. We enriched small extracellular vesicles (EVs) (40–200 nm) from ascites of high-grade [...] Read more.
In ovarian cancer, ascites represent the microenvironment in which the platelets extravasate to play their role in the disease progression. We aimed to develop an assay to measure ascites’ platelet activation. We enriched small extracellular vesicles (EVs) (40–200 nm) from ascites of high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer patients (n = 12) using precipitation with polyethylene glycol, and we conducted single-particle phenotyping analysis by nano-flow cytometry after labelling and ultra-centrifugation. Atomic force microscopy single-particle nanomechanical analysis showed heterogeneous distributions in the size of the precipitated particles and their mechanical stiffness. Samples were fluorescently labelled with antibodies specific to the platelet markers GPIIb/IIIa and PF4, showing 2.6 to 18.16% of all particles stained positive for the biomarkers and, simultaneously, the EV membrane labelling. Single-particle phenotyping analysis allowed us to quantify the total number of non-EV particles, the number of small-EVs and the number of platelet-derived small-EVs, providing a platelet activation assessment independent of the ascites volume. The percentage of platelet-derived small-EVs was positively correlated with platelet distribution width to platelet count in sera (PDW/PLT). Overall, we presented a high-throughput method that can be helpful in future studies to determine the correlation between the extent of platelet activation in ascites and disease status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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19 pages, 4382 KiB  
Article
Universal Markers Unveil Metastatic Cancerous Cross-Sections at Nanoscale
by Evangelos Bakalis, Angelo Ferraro, Vassilios Gavriil, Francesco Pepe, Zoe Kollia, Alkiviadis-Constantinos Cefalas, Umberto Malapelle, Evangelia Sarantopoulou, Giancarlo Troncone and Francesco Zerbetto
Cancers 2022, 14(15), 3728; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14153728 - 31 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
The characterization of cancer histological sections as metastatic, M, or not-metastatic, NM, at the cellular size level is important for early diagnosis and treatment. We present timely warning markers of metastasis, not identified by existing protocols and used methods. Digitized atomic force microscopy [...] Read more.
The characterization of cancer histological sections as metastatic, M, or not-metastatic, NM, at the cellular size level is important for early diagnosis and treatment. We present timely warning markers of metastasis, not identified by existing protocols and used methods. Digitized atomic force microscopy images of human histological cross-sections of M and NM colorectal cancer cells were analyzed by multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis and the generalized moments method analysis. Findings emphasize the multifractal character of all samples and accentuate room for the differentiation of M from NM cross-sections. Two universal markers emphatically achieve this goal performing very well: (a) the ratio of the singularity parameters (left/right), which are defined relative to weak/strong fluctuations in the multifractal spectrum, is always greater than 0.8 for NM tissues; and (b) the index of multifractality, used to classify universal multifractals, points to log-normal distribution for NM and to log-Cauchy for M tissues. An immediate large-scale screening of cancerous sections is doable based on these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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Review

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33 pages, 6848 KiB  
Review
In Vivo Application of Carboranes for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): Structure, Formulation and Analytical Methods for Detection
by Tainah Dorina Marforio, Andrea Carboni and Matteo Calvaresi
Cancers 2023, 15(20), 4944; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15204944 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
Carboranes have emerged as one of the most promising boron agents in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this context, in vivo studies are particularly relevant, since they provide qualitative and quantitative information about the biodistribution of these molecules, which is of the [...] Read more.
Carboranes have emerged as one of the most promising boron agents in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this context, in vivo studies are particularly relevant, since they provide qualitative and quantitative information about the biodistribution of these molecules, which is of the utmost importance to determine the efficacy of BNCT, defining their localization and (bio)accumulation, as well as their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. First, we gathered a detailed list of the carboranes used for in vivo studies, considering the synthesis of carborane derivatives or the use of delivery system such as liposomes, micelles and nanoparticles. Then, the formulation employed and the cancer model used in each of these studies were identified. Finally, we examined the analytical aspects concerning carborane detection, identifying the main methodologies applied in the literature for ex vivo and in vivo analysis. The present work aims to identify the current strengths and weakness of the use of carboranes in BNCT, establishing the bottlenecks and the best strategies for future applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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16 pages, 833 KiB  
Review
Current Status of Research on Small Extracellular Vesicles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urological Tumors
by Mengting Zhang, Yukang Lu, Lanfeng Wang, Yiping Mao, Xinyi Hu and Zhiping Chen
Cancers 2023, 15(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15010100 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1298
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of communication between tumor cells and normal cells. These vesicles are rich in a variety of contents such as RNA, DNA, and proteins, and can be involved in angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the formation of pre-metastatic ecological niches, [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of communication between tumor cells and normal cells. These vesicles are rich in a variety of contents such as RNA, DNA, and proteins, and can be involved in angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the formation of pre-metastatic ecological niches, and the regulation of the tumor microenvironment. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are a type of EVs. Currently, the main treatments for urological tumors are surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, urological tumors are difficult to diagnose and treat due to their high metastatic rate, tendency to develop drug resistance, and the low sensitivity of liquid biopsies. Numerous studies have shown that sEVs offer novel therapeutic options for tumor treatment, such as tumor vaccines and tumor drug carriers. sEVs have attracted a great deal of attention owing to their contribution to in intercellular communication, and as novel biomarkers, and role in the treatment of urological tumors. This article reviews the research and applications of sEVs in the diagnosis and treatment of urological tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostic)
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