Search Results (104)

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents, which is also considered an aggressive disease due to its rapid growth rate, ability to metastasize early, and complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME). Although we are developing improved surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches, the presence of metastatic or recurrent disease is still detrimental to the patient’s outcome. Major advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of OS are needed to substantially improve outcomes for patients being treated for OS. This review integrates new data on the molecular biology, pathophysiology, and immune landscape of OS, as well as introducing salient areas of tumorigenesis underpinning these findings, such as chromothripsis; kataegis; cancer stem cell dynamics; and updated genetic, epigenetic, and glycosylation modifiers. In addition, we review promising biomarkers, diagnostic platforms, and treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted small molecule inhibitors, and nanomedicine. Using genomic techniques, we have defined OS for its significant genomic instability due to TP53 and RB1 mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, and aberrant glycosylation. The TME is also characterized as immunosuppressive and populated by tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, ultimately inhibiting immune checkpoint inhibitors. Emerging fields such as glycomics and epigenetics, as well as stem cell biology, have defined promising biomarkers and targets. Preclinical studies have identified that glycan-directed CAR therapies could be possible, as well as metabolic inhibitors and 3D tumor models, which presented some preclinical success and could allow for tumoral specificity and enhanced efficacy. OS is a biologically and clinically complex disease; however, advances in exploring the molecular and immunologic landscape of OS present new opportunities in biomarkers and the development of new treatment options with adjunctive care. Successful treatments in the future will require personalized, multi-targeted approaches to account for tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion. This will help us turn the corner in providing improved outcomes for patients with this resilient malignancy. Full article

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and nanomedicine has transformed cancer vaccine development, particularly in optimizing RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Stability and targeted delivery are major obstacles to the clinical translation of promising RNA-LNP vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. This systematic review analyzes the AI’s impact on LNP engineering through machine learning-driven predictive models, generative adversarial networks (GANs) for novel lipid design, and neural network-enhanced biodistribution prediction. AI reduces the therapeutic development timeline through accelerated virtual screening of millions of lipid combinations, compared to conventional high-throughput screening. Furthermore, AI-optimized LNPs demonstrate improved tumor targeting. GAN-generated lipids show structural novelty while maintaining higher encapsulation efficiency; graph neural networks predict RNA-LNP binding affinity with high accuracy vs. experimental data; digital twins reduce lyophilization optimization from years to months; and federated learning models enable multi-institutional data sharing. We propose a framework to address key technical challenges: training data quality (min. 15,000 lipid structures), model interpretability (SHAP > 0.65), and regulatory compliance (21CFR Part 11). AI integration reduces manufacturing costs and makes personalized cancer vaccine affordable. Future directions need to prioritize quantum machine learning for stability prediction and edge computing for real-time formulation modifications. Full article

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing medicine by enabling highly precise diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized healthcare solutions. This review explores the multifaceted applications of nanotechnology across medical fields such as oncology and infectious disease control. Engineered nanoparticles (NPs), such as liposomes, polymeric carriers, and carbon-based nanomaterials, enhance drug solubility, protect therapeutic agents from degradation, and enable site-specific delivery, thereby reducing toxicity to healthy tissues. In diagnostics, nanosensors and contrast agents provide ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers, supporting early diagnosis and real-time monitoring. Nanotechnology also contributes to regenerative medicine, antimicrobial therapies, wearable devices, and theranostics, which integrate treatment and diagnosis into unified systems. Advanced innovations such as nanobots and smart nanosystems further extend these capabilities, enabling responsive drug delivery and minimally invasive interventions. Despite its immense potential, nanomedicine faces challenges, including biocompatibility, environmental safety, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory oversight. Addressing these issues is essential for clinical translation and public acceptance. In summary, nanotechnology offers transformative tools that are reshaping medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and disease prevention. Through continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration, it holds the potential to significantly enhance treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and usher in a new era of precise and personalized medicine. Full article

Brain cancer is a heterogeneous collection of malignant neoplasms, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), astrocytomas and medulloblastomas, with high morbidity and mortality. Its treatment is complicated by the tumor’s site, infiltrative growth mode and selective permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). During tumor formation, the BBB dynamically remodels into the blood–brain tumor barrier (BBTB), disrupting homeostasis and preventing drug delivery. Furthermore, the TME (Tumor Micro Environment) supports drug resistance, immune evasion and treatment failure. This review points out the ways in which nanomedicine overcomes these obstacles with custom-designed delivery systems, sophisticated diagnostics and personalized therapies. Traditional treatments fail through a lack of BBB penetration, non-specific cytotoxicity and swift tumor adaptation. Nanomedicine provides greater drug solubility, protection against enzymatic degradation, target drug delivery and control over the release. Nanotheranostics’ confluence of therapeutic and diagnostic modalities allows for dynamic adjustment and real-time monitoring. Nanotechnology has paved the way for the initiation of a new era in precision neuro-oncology. Transcending the limitations of conventional therapy protocols, nanomedicine promises to deliver better outcomes by way of enhanced targeting, BBB penetration and real-time monitoring. Multidisciplinary collaboration, regulatory advancements and patient-centered therapy protocols customized to the individual patient’s tumor biology will be necessary to facilitate translation success in the future. Full article

Cancer is a serious risk to human life. Some predictions show a considerable increase in new cases and deaths by 2050. Chemotherapy and other conventional treatments encounter issues with a lack of specificity, leading to severe side effects on healthy tissues and drug resistance. Nanotechnology with targeted drug delivery shows improved diagnostics and personalized treatments. Biocompatible and biodegradable self-assembling amphiphilic polymeric micelles are attractive vehicles for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, increasing the bioavailability and solubility of anticancer drugs in water. However, the transition to market applications faces some difficulties, mainly focused on patients’ predisposition to develop drug allergies. Intensive studies are a paradigm for resolving all challenges and facilitating the translation of innovative nanotechnologies into everyday clinical practice. This review paper highlights the importance of applying organic polymeric nanocarriers in cancer nanomedicine. Full article

Medical research is at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges, including preventing and treating cardiovascular, autoimmune, and oncological diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and the growing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases, using advanced medical approaches and cutting-edge technologies, structure-based drug design, and personalized medicine, is critical for developing effective therapies, specifically anticancer treatments. Background/Objectives: One of the key drivers of cancer at the cellular level is the abnormal activity of protein enzymes, specifically serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues, through a process known as phosphorylation. While tyrosine kinase-mediated phosphorylation constitutes a minor fraction of total cellular phosphorylation, its dysregulation is critically linked to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Methods: Small-molecule inhibitors, such as imatinib or erlotinib, are designed to halt this process, restoring cellular equilibrium and offering targeted therapeutic approaches. However, challenges persist, including frequent drug resistance and severe side effects associated with these therapies. Nanomedicine offers a transformative potential to overcome these limitations. Results: By leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials, it is possible to achieve precise drug delivery, enhance accumulation at target sites, and improve therapeutic efficacy. Examples include nanoparticle-based delivery systems for TKIs and the combination of nanomaterials with photothermal or photodynamic therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness. Combining nanomedicine with traditional treatments holds promise and perspective for synergistic and more effective cancer management. Conclusions: This review delves into recent advances in understanding tyrosine kinase activity, the mechanisms of their inhibition, and the innovative integration of nanomedicine to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. Full article

Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation that triggers chronic low-grade inflammation and systemic immune dysregulation, significantly increasing the risk of metabolic disorders including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between obesity and immune dysfunction, focusing on how immune cell infiltration in adipose tissue drives inflammatory processes. We highlight the phenotypic shifts in key immune populations—macrophages polarized toward proinflammatory M1 phenotypes, T cell exhaustion occurrs, and alterations appear in B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells—that collectively contribute to metabolic deterioration. The gut microbiome emerged as a critical mediator in this relationship, influencing both immune responses and metabolic regulation through gut–liver and gut–brain axes. We explore emerging immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies, including anti-inflammatory agents, microbiota interventions, and targeted immune therapies such as innovative nanomedicine approaches. The review also addresses the challenges of immunotherapy in obesity, particularly the paradoxical effects observed in cancer immunotherapy outcomes and the need for personalized treatment approaches. Artificial intelligence is highlighted as a potential tool to enhance patient stratification and treatment optimization in future immunomodulatory interventions. Understanding these immunometabolic interactions provides a foundation for developing more effective therapeutic strategies that could transform obesity management and reduce the burden of obesity-related metabolic diseases. Full article

Cancer treatment continues to face significant challenges due to the limitations of conventional therapies, including non-specific toxicity, poor bioavailability, and drug resistance. Nanotechnology, particularly peptide-based nanoparticles (NPs), is increasingly recognized as a valuable strategy to address these obstacles. Peptides provide a versatile platform offering high biocompatibility, specificity, biodegradability, and minimal immunogenicity, making them ideal for targeted cancer therapies. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in peptide-based nanoparticle systems, highlighting the mechanisms driving peptide self-assembly, such as amphiphilicity, non-covalent interactions, and metal coordination. It distinguishes between non-bioactive peptide nanoparticles, which primarily serve as drug carriers, and bioactive peptide nanoparticles, which integrate targeting peptides, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), and therapeutic peptides to enhance specificity, internalization, and anticancer efficacy. Emphasis is placed on innovative designs that exploit active targeting, stimuli-responsive release, and immunomodulatory strategies to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, the clinical translation of peptide nanoparticles struggles with challenges involving stability, delivery efficiency, scalability, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing complexity. The review concludes by outlining future directions, emphasizing personalized nanomedicine, combination therapies, and advanced peptide engineering as crucial pathways toward successful clinical implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medulloblastoma is a rare tumor that represents almost two-thirds of all embryonal pediatric brain tumor cases. Current treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, are often associated with adverse effects, such as toxicity, resistance, and lack of specificity. According to multiple bulk and single-cell omics-based approaches, it is now clear that each molecular subgroup of medulloblastoma possesses intrinsic genetic and molecular features that could drive the definition of distinct therapeutic targets, and of markers that have the potential to improve diagnosis. Nanomedicine offers a promising approach to overcome these challenges through precision-targeted therapies and theranostic platforms that merge diagnosis and treatment. This review explores the role of nanomedicine in medulloblastoma. Here, possible theranostic nanoplatforms combining targeted drug delivery and simultaneous imaging are reviewed, highlighting their potential as tools for personalized medicine. Methods: We performed a chronological analysis of the literature by using the major web-based research platforms, focusing on molecular targets, and the potential application of nanomedicine to overcome conventional treatment limitations. Results: Advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems enable selective targeting of key molecular pathways, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Additionally, nanotechnology-based imaging agents, including MRI contrast agents and fluorescent probes, improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment monitoring. Despite these advantages, some significant challenges remain, including overcoming the blood–brain barrier, ensuring biocompatibility, and addressing regulatory pathways for clinical translation. Conclusions: In conclusion, we sought to identify the current knowledge on the topic and hope to inspire future research to obtain new nanoplatforms for personalized medicine. Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a critical global health issue with limited effective treatments. Traditional care of TBI patients focuses on stabilization and symptom management without regenerating damaged brain tissue. In this review, we analyze the current state of treatment of TBI, with focus on novel therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing secondary brain injury and promoting recovery. There are few innovative strategies that break away from the traditional, biological target-focused treatment approaches. Precision medicine includes personalized treatments based on biomarkers, genetics, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence tools for prognosis and monitoring. Stem cell therapies are used to repair tissue, regulate immune responses, and support neural regeneration, with ongoing development in gene-enhanced approaches. Nanomedicine uses nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery, neuroprotection, and diagnostics by crossing the blood–brain barrier. Brain–machine interfaces enable brain-device communication to restore lost motor or neurological functions, while virtual rehabilitation and neuromodulation use virtual and augmented reality as well as brain stimulation techniques to improve rehabilitation outcomes. While these approaches show great potential, most are still in development and require more clinical testing to confirm safety and effectiveness. The future of TBI therapy looks promising, with innovative strategies likely to transform care. Full article

Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge due to its complex pathophysiology and resistance to conventional treatments. In recent years, the convergence of nanotechnology and oncology has paved the way for innovative therapeutic platforms that address the limitations of traditional modalities. This review examines how nanoparticle (NP)-based strategies enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy by enabling targeted delivery, controlled drug release, and tumor-specific accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. We discuss the design and functionalization of various organic, inorganic, and hybrid NPs, highlighting their roles in improving pharmacokinetics, overcoming multidrug resistance, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Particular emphasis is placed on dual and multimodal therapies, such as chemo-phototherapy, chemo-immunotherapy, and gene-radiotherapy, that leverage nanoparticle carriers to amplify synergistic effects, minimize systemic toxicity, and improve clinical outcomes. We also explore cutting-edge advances in gene editing and personalized nanomedicine, as well as emerging strategies to address biological barriers and immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor niche. Despite the undeniable promise of nanoparticle-based cancer therapies, challenges related to toxicity, scalable manufacturing, regulatory oversight, and long-term biocompatibility must be overcome before they can fully enter clinical practice. By synthesizing recent findings and identifying key opportunities for innovation, this review provides insight into how nanoscale platforms are propelling the next generation of precision oncology. Full article

Graphene-based materials (GBMs) have shown significant promise in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. Their ability to target solid tumors, penetrate the tumor microenvironment (TME), and act as efficient drug delivery platforms highlights their potential in nanomedicine. However, the complex and dynamic nature of the TME, characterized by metabolic heterogeneity, immune suppression, and drug resistance, poses significant challenges to effective cancer treatment. GBMs offer innovative solutions by enhancing tumor targeting, facilitating deep tissue penetration, and modulating metabolic pathways that contribute to tumor progression and immune evasion. Their functionalization with targeting ligands and biocompatible polymers improves their biosafety and specificity, while their ability to modulate immune cell interactions within the TME presents new opportunities for immunotherapy. Given the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor survival and resistance, GBMs could be further exploited in metabolism-targeted therapies by disrupting glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and lipid metabolism to counteract the immunosuppressive effects of the TME. This review focuses on discussing research studies that design GBM nanocomposites with enhanced biodegradability, minimized toxicity, and improved efficacy in delivering therapeutic agents with the intention to reprogram the TME for effective anticancer therapy. Additionally, exploring the potential of GBM nanocomposites in combination with immunotherapies and metabolism-targeted treatments could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies. By addressing these challenges, GBMs could play a pivotal role in overcoming current limitations in cancer treatment and advancing precision oncology. Full article

Pharmacoscintigraphy has emerged as an essential tool in the research and development of nanomedicines, particularly in the field of nanotheranostics. By enabling the real-time, non-invasive tracking of their biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy, these imaging techniques provide invaluable insights that drive the optimization of nanomedicine formulations. The integration of gamma scintigraphy, SPECT, and PET imaging has significantly enhanced our understanding of nanocarrier behavior, supporting their clinical translation by ensuring precise targeting, minimizing off-target effects, and improving therapeutic outcomes. Future advancements in hybrid imaging modalities, novel radionuclide tracers, and personalized imaging-guided therapies will further expand the impact of pharmacoscintigraphy in nanomedicine. Additionally, the increasing recognition of imaging-based validation in regulatory approval processes underscores the growing importance of these techniques in drug development. As nanotheranostics continues to evolve, radionuclide imaging will remain a pivotal component in their preclinical and clinical evaluation, facilitating safer and more effective precision medicine approaches. Full article

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, driving the need for innovative approaches in research and treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in oncology, with the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. This paper reviews recent advancements in AI applications within cancer research, focusing on early detection through computer-aided diagnosis, personalized treatment strategies, and drug discovery. We survey AI-enhanced diagnostic applications and explore AI techniques such as deep learning, as well as the integration of AI with nanomedicine and immunotherapy for cancer care. Comparative analyses of AI-based models versus traditional diagnostic methods are presented, highlighting AI’s superior potential. Additionally, we discuss the importance of integrating social determinants of health to optimize cancer care. Despite these advancements, challenges such as data quality, algorithmic biases, and clinical validation remain, limiting widespread adoption. The review concludes with a discussion of the future directions of AI in oncology, emphasizing its potential to reshape cancer care by enhancing diagnosis, personalizing treatments and targeted therapies, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Full article