Nanotechnology-Derived Combination Therapies for The Treatment of Osteosarcoma

Review Article

J Immun Res. 2024; 10(1): 1049.

Nanotechnology-Derived Combination Therapies for The Treatment of Osteosarcoma

Bingkai Fan; Qun Yang; Jie Cai*

Department of Orthopedics, The First People’s Hospital of Xiaoshan District, Xiaoshan Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China

*Corresponding author: Jie Cai Department of orthopaedics, The First People’s Hospital of Xiaoshan District, Xiaoshan Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 311200, Zhejiang, China. Email: jiecai228@126.com

Received: Septermber 04, 2024 Accepted: September 24, 2024 Published: Octoner 01, 2024

Abstract

Chemotherapy for osteosarcoma is associated with significant adverse effects due to its systemic toxicity. Nanotechnology offers a promising strategy to mitigate these limitations. Nanotherapy, utilizing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, has emerged as a novel approach for the treatment of osteosarcoma. The surgical resection of osteosarcoma often results in severe bone defects that necessitate medical intervention. Recent studies have demonstrated that multifunctional nanoparticle delivery systems not only actively inhibit tumor growth but also promote new bone formation. The rapid advancements in nanoparticle-based tumor therapies have opened new avenues for enhancing the therapeutic outcomes in osteosarcoma-associated bone defects. This review examines the current state of immunotherapy using multifunctional nanoparticles for osteosarcoma treatment. With further optimization and screening, these multifunctional nanoparticles hold potential for successful clinical application in osteosarcoma therapy.

Keywords: Nanoparticles; Tumor immunity; Osteosarcoma; Multifunctional system

Introduction

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent and aggressive type of primary bone malignancy, primarily affecting children under 19 years of age [1]. Originating from bone-forming cells, it is also known as osteogenic sarcoma and is predominantly observed in pediatric and adolescent populations [2]. In China alone, it is estimated that there are over 28,000 new cases of bone cancer annually, with approximately 20,700 associated deaths [3].The symptoms of osteosarcoma include joint pain, swelling, bone destruction, and fractures. Clinical diagnosis typically involves X-ray imaging to identify the tumor, supplemented by CT scans to assess the extent and location of tumor growth [4]. Standard treatment options for osteosarcoma include chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Current therapeutic approaches often involve preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, complete surgical resection of the tumor, and high-dose chemotherapy regimens [5]. Reports indicate that the success rate of surgical tumor removal in cases of localized osteosarcoma is below 20%. However, when combined with chemotherapy, the success rate significantly increases to approximately 70% [6]. As a result, a combination of surgery and chemotherapy is commonly employed in osteosarcoma treatment.

The primary chemotherapeutic agents used include doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate, ifosfamide, and epirubicin, among others [7]. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is typically administered before surgery to reduce tumor size and facilitate surgical resection, while adjuvant chemotherapy is given postoperatively, often extending over a year [8]. For the past two decades, high-dose and multi-drug neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been the gold standard for treating osteosarcoma [9]. However, systemic chemotherapy is associated with significant cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, particularly at high doses. Moreover, due to the heterogeneity and genetic complexity of osteosarcoma, chemotherapy regimens often yield suboptimal responses in the treatment of this malignancy. Unfortunately, the survival rate for osteosarcoma has remained stagnant over the past few decades [10]. This is particularly concerning given that the bone microenvironment serves as a conducive environment for the initiation, progression, and metastasis of osteosarcoma. The high multidrug resistance (MDR) and immunosuppressive nature of the osteosarcoma microenvironment have contributed to the stagnation in therapeutic advancements over the last 30 years [11]. Consequently, the conventional approach of combining chemotherapy with surgery has failed to significantly improve long-term survival outcomes for osteosarcoma patients, highlighting the urgent need for the development of novel, effective treatment strategies.