We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Combined Approach Cures Bladder Cancer in Model

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 28 Aug 2017
A novel anticancer "photothermal immunotherapy" technique that used lasers and gold nanostars to heat up and destroy tumors in combination with an immunotherapeutic drug cured and immunized mice against bladder cancer in a small proof-of-concept study.

Investigators at Duke University (Durham, NC, USA) had previously described the development of plasmonic gold nanostar particles, which had multiple sharp spikes that were able to capture laser energy more efficiently. More...
In the current study, gold nanostar therapy was combined with an immunotherapeutic drug that inhibited the activity of PD-L1 (Programmed death-ligand 1), which would otherwise disable cancer-destroying T-cells.

In the current proof-of-concept study, MB49 bladder cancer cells were injected into the hind legs of a group of mice. After tumors began to grow, the animals were treated in one leg only with gold nanostars and laser heating, nanostars plus PD-L1 inhibitor, or PD-L1 inhibitor alone. A group of control animals were not treated.

Results published in the August 17, 2017, online edition of the journal Scientific Reports revealed that animals receiving no treatment rapidly died from cancer, as did those receiving only the gold nanostar phototherapy, since the treatment did nothing to affect the tumor growing in the untreated leg. In contrast, some animals responded well to the immunotherapy alone, with the drug slowing growth of both tumors, but none survived more than 49 days. However, animals in the group treated with both the immunotherapy and the gold nanostar phototherapy fared much better, with two of the five mice surviving more than 55 days.

The investigators referred to the two-pronged treatment approach as Synergistic Immuno Photothermal Nanotherapy (SYMPHONY). Using this combination of immune-checkpoint inhibition and plasmonic gold nanostar–mediated photothermal therapy, they were able to achieve complete eradication of primary treated tumors and distant untreated tumors in some mice implanted with the MB49 bladder cancer cells. Delayed rechallenge of mice cured by SYMPHONY with injections of MB49 cancer cells did not lead to new tumor formation after 60 days observation, indicating that SYMPHONY treatment induced effective long-lasting immunity against MB49 cancer cells.

"The nanostar spikes work like lightning rods, concentrating the electromagnetic energy at their tips," said senior author Dr. Tuan Vo-Dinh, professor of chemistry and biomedical engineering at Duke University. "We have experimented with these gold nanostars to treat tumors before, but we wanted to know if we could also treat tumors we did not even know were there or tumors that have spread throughout the body. When a tumor dies, it releases particles that trigger the immune system to attack the remnants. By destroying the primary tumor, we activated the immune system against the remaining cancerous cells, and the immunotherapy prevented them from hiding."

"The ideal cancer treatment is non-invasive, safe, and uses multiple approaches," said Dr. Vo-Dinh. "We also aim at activating the patient's own immune system to eradicate residual metastatic tumors. If we can create a long-term anticancer immunity, then we would truly have a cure."

Related Links:
Duke University


New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Staining System
RAL DIFF-QUIK
New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.