Abstract
GBM is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by low survival rates, high recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic methods remain limited due to the difficulty in permeating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), diffuse tumor cell infiltration, and tumor heterogeneity. In recent years, nano-based technologies have emerged as innovative approaches for the detection and treatment of GBM. A wide variety of nanocarriers, including dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots, extracellular vesicles, and many more demonstrate the ability to cross the BBB, precisely deliver therapeutic agents, and enhance the effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Surface functionalization, peptide modification, and cell membrane coating improve the targeting capabilities of nanostructures toward GBM cells and enable the exploitation of their photothermal, magnetic, and optical properties. Furthermore, the development of miRNA nanosponge systems offers the simultaneous inhibition of multiple tumor growth mechanisms and the modulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This article presents current advancements in nanotechnology for GBM, with a particular focus on the characteristics and advantages of specific groups of nanoparticles, including their role in radiosensitization.
Overview
- The study focuses on the application of nano-based technologies for the detection and treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults.
- The study highlights the limitations of traditional diagnostic and therapeutic methods due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), diffuse tumor cell infiltration, and tumor heterogeneity.
- The primary objective of the study is to investigate the capabilities of nanocarriers in crossing the BBB, delivering therapeutic agents, and enhancing the effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The study demonstrates that various types of nanocarriers, such as dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots, and extracellular vesicles, can cross the BBB and target GBM cells.
- The findings show that surface functionalization, peptide modification, and cell membrane coating enable the targeting capabilities of nanostructures toward GBM cells and allow the exploitation of their photothermal, magnetic, and optical properties.
- The study highlights the potential of miRNA nanosponge systems in inhibiting multiple tumor growth mechanisms and modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study's findings suggest that nano-based technologies have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of GBM, offering novel approaches to overcome the limitations of traditional methods.
- Future research directions include the development of more targeted and effective nanostructures for GBM treatment, as well as the investigation of the potential for combination therapies and personalized medicine.
- Furthermore, the study's focus on radiosensitization and immunotherapy highlights the need for further exploration of these approaches in combination with nano-based technologies.