Search Results (84)

Therapeutic peptides have emerged as promising tools in oncology due to their high specificity, favorable safety profile, and capacity to target molecular hallmarks of cancer. Their clinical translation, however, remains limited by poor stability, rapid proteolytic degradation, and inefficient biodistribution. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offer a compelling solution to these challenges. Owing to their biocompatibility, magnetic properties, and ability to serve as both drug carriers and imaging agents, IONPs have become a versatile platform for precision nanomedicine. The integration of peptides with IONPs has generated a new class of hybrid systems that combine the biological accuracy of peptide ligands with the multifunctionality of magnetic nanomaterials. Peptide functionalization enables selective tumor targeting and deeper tissue penetration, while the IONP core supports controlled delivery, MRI-based tracking, and activation of therapeutic mechanisms such as magnetic hyperthermia. These hybrids also influence the tumor microenvironment (TME), facilitating stromal remodeling and improved drug accessibility. Importantly, the iron-driven redox chemistry inherent to IONPs can trigger regulated cell death pathways, including ferroptosis and autophagy, inhibiting opportunities to overcome resistance in aggressive or refractory tumors. As advances in peptide engineering, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence accelerate design and optimization, peptide–IONP conjugates are poised for translational progress. Their combined targeting precision, imaging capability, and therapeutic versatility position them as promising candidates for next-generation cancer theranostics. Full article

This study presents the development and evaluation of multifunctional, thermoresponsive nanogels based on poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) (P(NVCL-co-NVP)) with a poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) shell and galactose (GAL) targeting ligand for colon cancer therapy. The nanogels were engineered to encapsulate two chemotherapeutic agents, curcumin (CUR) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), along with gold nanorods (GNRDs) to enable a synergistic chemo-photothermal treatment approach. These nanogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility and stability and a temperature-responsive drug release profile, leveraging the volume-phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the polymer network for controlled delivery. The inclusion of GNRDs permits efficient photothermal conversion upon near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, resulting in localized hyperthermia and, theoretically, improved cytotoxicity when combined with chemotherapeutics. In vitro studies on colon cancer cells demonstrated enhanced drug accumulation, photothermal ablation when the GNRD concentration was above a threshold, and superior antitumor efficacy of the CUR/5-FU-loaded systems. The effectiveness of the chemo/photothermal combination could not be demonstrated, possibly due to the low concentration of GNRD and/or the use of a single irradiation step only. This work highlights the potential of P(NVCL-co-NVP):PEGMA:GAL nanogels as versatile nanocarriers for combined chemo-photothermal therapy. A more effective chemo/photothermal combination for colon cancer treatment can be achieved through the optimization of the GNRD loading/irradiation dosage. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumour with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Therapeutic failure is driven by multiple barriers, including the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the tumour microenvironment (TME), and intratumoural heterogeneity. Conventional delivery systems often fail to achieve sufficient drug accumulation or controlled release within the tumour. In this review, we outline a theoretical framework for the design of ligand-functionalised magnetic lipid nanoparticles (MF-R-LNs), a multifunctional nanoplatform that integrates active targeting, stimuli-responsive drug release, and external magnetic-field control. The proposed MF-R-LNs incorporate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for magnetic guidance and hyperthermia; polyethylene glycol (PEG) for extended circulation; and surface ligands such as peptides, antibodies, or aptamers to target GBM-specific receptors including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Interleukin-13 receptor alpha-2 (IL-13Rα2), and integrins. Triggered release mechanisms such as pH-sensitive lipids, redox cleavable linkers, and enzyme-responsive coatings enable selective drug release within the TME. Magnetic hyperthermia serves as both a therapeutic modality and a remote trigger to enhance release and tumour penetration. This modular design offers a theoretically robust strategy to overcome the key physiological and therapeutic barriers in GBM. We discuss the rationale behind each design feature, explore potential synergies, and highlight translational challenges such as tumour heterogeneity, manufacturing complexity, and safety concerns. Despite encouraging preclinical evidence, clinical translation faces substantial hurdles, notably patient-specific heterogeneity and scalable GMP manufacturing/characterisation of multi-component nanoplatforms. While preclinical validation remains necessary, this framework may inform future efforts to develop spatiotemporally controlled, multifunctional therapeutics for glioblastoma. This manuscript is a conceptual framework review that synthesises current strategies into actionable guidance for designing and reporting MF-R-LNs for GBM. Full article

Niosomes (NIOs), a class of nanovesicular drug delivery system, have garnered significant attention due to their unique architecture, resulting from the self-assembly of non-ionic surfactants (with or without cholesterol) in aqueous media. This bilayered structure enables the encapsulation of both hydrophilic agents in the aqueous core and lipophilic compounds within the lipid bilayer, offering remarkable versatility in therapeutic applications. This article provides an overview of the key principles underlying niosomal formulations, including their composition, preparation methods, formulation conditions and the critical physicochemical parameters influencing vesicle formation and performance. Special emphasis is placed on recent innovations in surface and content modifications that have led to the development of stimuli-responsive niosomal systems, with precise and controlled drug release. These smart carriers are designed to respond to endogenous stimuli (such as pH variations, redox gradients, enzymatic activity, or local temperature changes in pathological sites), as well as to exogenous triggers (including light, ultrasound, magnetic or electric fields, and externally applied hyperthermia), thereby enhancing therapeutic precision. These surface and content modulation strategies effectively transform conventional NIOs into intelligent, stimuli-responsive platforms, reinforcing their innovative role in drug delivery and highlighting their significant potential in the development of smart nanomedicine. Full article

Background: Minimally invasive hyperthermia and regenerative therapies require materials that deliver precise, localized heat without compromising biocompatibility. Most conventional polymers are thermally insulating and challenging to control in vivo, motivating this review. Objectives: We aimed to (i) examine the use of thermally enhanced biopolymers in hyperthermia-based therapies, (ii) appraise evidence from clinical and preclinical studies, (iii) identify and classify principal applications in regenerative medicine. Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic review (2020–2025) with predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria was conducted and complemented by a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer for mapping and visualization. Results: Modifying biopolymers—via functionalization with photothermal or magnetic nanoagents (Au; Fe₂O₃/Fe₃O₄/CoFe₂O₄; CuS; Ag; MXenes, e.g., Nb₂C), crosslinking strategies, and hybrid formulations—significantly increased thermal conductivity, enabling localized hyperthermia and controlled drug release. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that europium-doped iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in chitosan generated heat efficiently while sparing healthy tissues, underscoring the need to balance biocompatibility and thermal performance. Hydrogel systems enriched with carbon nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes) and matrices such as GelMA, PNIPAM, hyaluronic acid, and PLA/PLGA demonstrated tissue compatibility and effective thermal behavior; graphene was compatible with neural tissue without inducing inflammation. Conclusions: Thermally conductive biopolymers show growing potential for oncology and regenerative medicine. The evidence supports further academic and interdisciplinary research to optimize safety, performance, and translational pathways. Full article

Background: Integrating deep regional hyperthermia (HT) with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) may enhance treatment efficacy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), yet feasibility and tolerance data remain scarce for both short-course (SCRT) and long-course (LCRT) radiotherapy (RT) regimens. Methods: In this single-center prospective observational study, 67 LARC patients received neoadjuvant RT and chemotherapy (CT) combined with deep radiative HT using a phased-array system (ALBA 4D). Patients treated with SCRT (5 × 5 Gy) were prescribed two HT sessions; those treated with LCRT (25 × 2 Gy) were prescribed ten. HT planning was guided by dedicated software, and real-time thermometry ensured precise thermal delivery. Feasibility was defined as completion of ≥50% of prescribed sessions. Tolerance and toxicity were assessed with standardized clinical scales (QMHT, UMC, CTCAE v4.03). Results: HT was feasible in both groups: 100% of SCRT and 63.6% of LCRT patients completed ≥50% of prescribed sessions. In total, 243 sessions were delivered. Most symptoms were mild and transient, predominantly localized pain. No grade ≥3 HT-related toxicities occurred. All scheduled RT and surgery proceeded without delay. Median T50 was 40.3 °C (SCRT) and 40.4 °C (LCRT); the median RT-to-HT interval was 42 min in both groups. Conclusion: This first Spanish experience shows that deep radiative HT can be seamlessly integrated into both SCRT and LCRT neoadjuvant protocols for rectal cancer. High adherence, favorable tolerance, and reliable thermal control support clinical implementation. Any between-schedule observations are descriptive only; no formal comparative testing was performed. The study was not designed or powered to establish comparative effectiveness between SCRT and LCRT, and the sample size was insufficient to detect rare HT-specific adverse events. Full article

Snakebite envenomation by Bothrops species is a neglected tropical disease and a major cause of local tissue damage and disability in Latin America. Antivenom therapy is effective against systemic effects but fails to prevent local myonecrosis, inflammation, and pain. This study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using infrared (808 nm) alone or in combination with red (660 nm) laser in a murine model of Bothrops leucurus envenomation. A single PBMT session was applied, and animals were evaluated at 24 and 72 h. Combined treatment significantly reduced edema, hyperthermia, plasma CK and LDH, restored nociceptive thresholds, and improved motor recovery compared with infrared alone. Principal component analysis demonstrated clustering of combined-treatment animals with negative controls, supporting a synergistic therapeutic effect. These findings highlight dual-wavelength PBMT as a promising adjunctive approach to antivenom, directly targeting local venom-induced pathology. Full article

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) represent a versatile magnetic nanoparticle (NP) system with considerable, yet underexplored, potential in diverse applications, particularly in emerging biomedical fields such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, and biosensing. The successful translation of MIONPs into these applications requires reproducible synthesis methods and precise control over particle uniformity in terms of size, shape, and composition. However, reproducibility in nanoparticle synthesis remains a persistent challenge, limiting the ability of researchers to replicate results and integrate MIONPs into application-oriented studies. In recent years, substantial efforts have been directed toward elucidating synthesis mechanisms and improving both reproducibility and particle uniformity, enabling notable advances in the biomedical deployment of MIONPs. This review summarizes progress in the synthesis of MIONPs, with emphasis on three widely employed precursors: iron oleate, iron acetylacetonate, and iron pentacarbonyl. The discussion focuses on key findings in NP synthesis, relevant chemical aspects, and the magnetic properties of MIONPs, which are critical for optimizing their functional performance. By consolidating recent advances, this review aims to provide a reliable framework for the preparation of high-quality MIONPs and to support their effective use in specific biomedical applications. Full article

This study provides a comparison between magnetic-to-thermal energy conversion efficiency in liquid and gel phases under high-frequency magnetic fields. Magnetite cores (11 ± 2 nm) were tested as water-based ferrofluids and as 5 wt% agar ferrogels, both with and without a biocompatible polydopamine (PDA) shell. A custom two-phase coil switched between rotating (RMF) and alternating (AMF) modes, enabling phase- and coating-dependent effects to be measured at identical field strengths and frequencies (100–300 kHz, 1–4 kA/m). Across all conditions, RMF generated 1.7–2.1 times more specific loss power (SLP) than AMF, and moving from the liquid to the gel phase reduced SLP by 5–8%, indicating that heating is controlled by Néel relaxation with negligible Brownian contribution. SLP rose with magnetic-field amplitude according to a power law, while hysteretic losses remained minimal. PDA improved colloidal stability and biocompatibility without harming the heating performance, lowering SLP by <17%. Within Brezovich limits, the system still exceeded therapeutic hyperthermia thresholds. Thus, in this iron-oxide/PDA system, neither medium viscosity nor the PDA shell’s non-magnetic mass significantly affects thermal energy output, an important finding for translating laboratory calorimetry data into reliable, application-oriented modelling for magnetic hyperthermia. Full article

Background/Objectives: The heterogeneity of cancer disease and the frequent ineffectiveness and resistance observed with currently available treatments highlight the importance of developing new antitumor therapies. The properties of gold nanoparticles, such as their photon-energy heating, are attractive for oncology therapy; this can be effective and localized. The combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia is promising. Our aim was to evaluate the combination therapy of photon hyperthermia with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: This study evaluated the antitumor efficacy of a combined chemo-photothermal therapy using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and branched gold nanoshells (BGNSs) in a colorectal cancer model. BGNSs were synthesized via a seed-mediated method and characterized by electron microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy, revealing an average diameter of 126.3 nm and a plasmon resonance peak at 800 nm, suitable for near-infrared (NIR) photothermal applications. In vitro assays using SW620-GFP colon cancer cells demonstrated a ≥90% reduction in cell viability after 24 h of combined treatment with 5-FU and BGNS under NIR irradiation. In vivo, xenograft-bearing nude mice received weekly intratumoral administrations of the combined therapy for four weeks. The group treated with 5-FU + BGNS + NIR exhibited a final tumor volume of 0.4 mm³ on day 28, compared to 1010 mm³ in the control group, corresponding to a tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 100.74% (p < 0.001), which indicates not only complete inhibition of tumor growth but also regression below the initial tumor volume. Thermographic imaging confirmed that localized hyperthermia reached 45 ± 0.5 °C at the tumor site. Results: These findings suggest that the combination of 5-FU and BGNS-mediated hyperthermia may offer a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer while potentially minimizing systemic toxicity. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of integrating nanotechnology with conventional chemotherapy for more effective and targeted cancer treatment. Full article

By 2030, millions of new cancer cases will be diagnosed, as well as millions of cancer-related deaths. Traditional drug delivery methods have limitations, so developing smart drug delivery systems (SDDs) has emerged as a promising avenue for more effective and precise cancer treatment. Nanotechnology, particularly nanomedicine, provides innovative approaches to enhance drug delivery, including the use of nanoparticles. One such type of SDD is thermosensitive nanoparticles, which respond to internal and external stimuli, such as temperature changes, to release drugs precisely at tumor sites and minimize off-target effects. On the other hand, hyperthermia is a cancer treatment mode that goes back centuries and has become popular because it can target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This paper presents a comprehensive review of smart thermosensitive nanoparticles for cancer treatment, with a primary focus on organic nanoparticles. The integration of hyperthermia with temperature-sensitive nanocarriers, such as micelles, hydrogels, dendrimers, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, offers a promising approach to improving the precision and efficacy of cancer therapy. By leveraging temperature as a controlled drug release mechanism, this review highlights the potential of these innovative systems to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse side effects. Full article

Radiotherapy (RT) has undergone transformative advancements since its inception over a century ago. This review highlights the most promising and impactful innovations shaping the current and future landscape of RT. Key technological advances include adaptive radiotherapy (ART), which tailors treatment to daily anatomical changes using integrated imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced image guidance systems, such as MR-LINACs, PET-LINACs, and surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT), which enhance targeting precision and minimize collateral damage. AI and data science further support RT through automation, improved segmentation, dose prediction, and treatment planning. Emerging biological and targeted therapies, including boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), radioimmunotherapy, and theranostics, represent the convergence of molecular targeting and radiotherapy, offering personalized treatment strategies. Particle therapies, notably proton and heavy ion RT, exploit the Bragg peak for precise tumor targeting while reducing normal tissue exposure. FLASH RT, delivering ultra-high dose rates, demonstrates promise in sparing normal tissue while maintaining tumor control, though clinical validation is ongoing. Spatially fractionated RT (SFRT), stereotactic techniques and brachytherapy are evolving to treat challenging tumor types with enhanced conformality and efficacy. Innovations such as 3D printing, Auger therapy, and hyperthermia are also contributing to individualized and site-specific solutions. Across these modalities, the integration of imaging, AI, and novel physics and biology-driven approaches is redefining the possibilities of cancer treatment. This review underscores the multidisciplinary and translational nature of modern RT, where physics, engineering, biology, and informatics intersect to improve patient outcomes. While many approaches are in various stages of clinical adoption and investigation, their collective impact promises to redefine the therapeutic boundaries of radiation oncology in the coming decade. Full article

Severe systemic toxicity and poor targeting efficiency remain major limitations of traditional chemotherapy, emphasising the need for smarter drug delivery systems. Magnetic 2D transition-metal-based nanomaterials offer a promising approach, as they can be designed to combine high drug loading, precise targeting, and controlled release. The key material classes—transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal carbides/nitrides, transition metal oxides, and metal–organic frameworks—share important physicochemical properties. These include high surface-to-volume ratios, tuneable functionalities, and efficient intracellular uptake. Incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into these 2D structures broadens their potential beyond drug delivery, through enabling multimodal therapeutic strategies such as hyperthermia induction, real-time imaging, and photothermal or photodynamic therapy. This review outlines the potential of magnetic 2D transition-metal-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications by evaluating their therapeutic performance and biological response. In parallel, it offers a critical analysis of how differences in physicochemical properties influence their potential for specific cancer treatment applications, highlighting the most promising uses of each in bionanomedicine. Full article

Magnetic hyperthermia is a promising cancer treatment technique that relies on Néel and Brownian relaxation mechanisms to heat superparamagnetic nanoparticles injected into tumor sites. Under low-frequency magnetic fields, nanoparticles generate localized heat, inducing controlled thermal damage to cancer cells. However, radio frequency coils used to generate alternating magnetic fields may suffer from excessive heating, leading to efficiency losses and unintended thermal effects on surrounding healthy tissues. This study proposes novel liquid cooling systems, leveraging the skin effect phenomenon, to improve thermal management and reduce coil size. Finite element method-based simulation studies evaluated coil electrical current and temperature distributions under varying applied frequencies, water flow rates, and cooling microchannel dimensions. A dataset of 300 simulation cases was generated to train a Gaussian Process Regression-based machine learning model. The performance index was also developed and modeled using Gaussian Process Regression, enabling rapid performance prediction without requiring extensive numerical studies. Sensitivity analysis and the ReliefF algorithm were applied for a thorough analysis. Simulation results indicate that the proposed novel liquid cooling system demonstrates higher performance compared to conventional systems that utilize direct liquid cooling, offering a computationally efficient method for pre-manufacturing design optimization of radio frequency coil cooling systems in magnetic hyperthermia applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Widely known for its therapeutic benefits, hydrotherapy utilizes water’s physical properties, such as temperature, hydrostatic pressure, and viscosity, to influence physiological responses. Among these, body temperature modulation plays a crucial role in enhancing circulatory function, muscle relaxation, and metabolic processes. While hydrotherapy can improve systemic health, particularly cardiac function, improper temperature control poses risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or individuals with thermoregulatory impairments. Therefore, accurately predicting post-bath body temperature is essential for ensuring safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Methods: This study explored the use of fuzzy inference systems to predict post-bath body temperature, leveraging an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, evolutionary fuzzy inference system (EVOFIS), and enhanced Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy system. These models were compared with random forest and support vector machine models using hydrotherapy-related data. Results: The results show that EVOFIS outperformed other models, particularly in predicting deep body temperature, which is clinically significant as it is closely linked to core physiological regulation. Conclusions: The ability to accurately forecast deep-temperature dynamics enables proactive management of hyperthermia risk, supporting safer hydrotherapy practices for at-risk groups. These findings highlight the potential of FIS-based models for non-invasive temperature prediction, contributing to enhanced safety and personalization in hydrotherapy applications. Full article