Bioactive Glasses as Carriers of Cancer-Targeted Drugs: Challenges and Opportunities in Bone Cancer Treatment

Author(s)

Borges, Roger ; Pelosine, Agatha Maria ; de Souza, Ana Carolina Santos ; Machado Jr, Joel ; Justo, Giselle Zenker ; Gamarra, Lionel Fernel ; Marchi, Juliana

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS; v. 15, n. 24, p. 25-pg., 2022-12-01.

Abstract

The treatment of bone cancer involves tumor resection followed by bone reconstruction of the defect caused by the tumor using biomaterials. Additionally, post-surgery protocols cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or drug administration, which are employed as adjuvant treatments to prevent tumor recurrence. In this work, we reviewed new strategies for bone cancer treatment based on bioactive glasses as carriers of cancer-targeted and other drugs that are intended for bone regeneration in conjunction with adjuvant treatments. Drugs used in combination with bioactive glasses can be classified into cancer-target, osteoclast-target, and new therapies (such as gene delivery and bioinorganic). Microparticulated, nanoparticulated, or mesoporous bioactive glasses have been used as drug-delivery systems. Additionally, surface modification through functionalization or the production of composites based on polymers and hydrogels has been employed to improve drug-release kinetics. Overall, although different drugs and drug delivery systems have been developed, there is still room for new studies involving kinase inhibitors or antibody-conjugated drugs, as these drugs have been poorly explored in combination with bioactive glasses. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/00329-6 - Development of a multifunctional injectable composite aiming bone cancer treatment through hyperthermia and brachytherapy allied with bone repair
• Grantee: Juliana Marchi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/16512-9 - Development of a hydrogel-based delivery system for release of biocompatible glasses ions and drug as support in treatment of bone cancer and subsequent bone regeneration
• Grantee: Juliana Marchi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants