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Cancer

Innovative Cancer Therapy Combines Apoptosis and Ferroptosis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Department of Ultrasound at The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer treatment. By combining two forms of regulated cell death, apoptosis and ferroptosis, their innovative microneedle patch system has shown significant promise in overcoming chemoresistance and improving breast cancer treatment outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed an innovative microneedle patch system (CFA-MN) that incorporates an oxygen vacancy-rich hollow CoSn(OH)/FeS (CF) heterostructure, combined with the alkyl radical initiator 1,2-bis(2-(4,5-dihydro-1Himidazol-2-yl)propan-2-yl) diazene dihydrochloride.
  • The CF heterostructure, synthesized via alkaline etching and solvothermal methods, exhibited abundant oxygen vacancy, enhancing reactive oxygen species generation under 808 nm laser irradiation.
  • In the tumor microenvironment, FeS facilitated controlled HS release, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoting apoptosis.
  • Concurrently, Fe-mediated Fenton reactions led to lipid peroxide accumulation, triggering ferroptosis.
  • The CFA-MN patch exhibited robust mechanical strength and rapid dissolution for precise delivery and controlled release.
  • In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated significant tumor inhibition through combined apoptosis and ferroptosis pathways.
  • This work highlights the potential of CFA-MN as a multifunctional platform to overcome chemoresistance and improve breast cancer treatment outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 808 nm laser irradiation enhanced reactive oxygen species generation.
  • 1,2-bis(2-(4,5-dihydro-1Himidazol-2-yl)propan-2-yl) diazene dihydrochloride was used as the alkyl radical initiator.
  • 100% efficacy was achieved in tumor inhibition through combined apoptosis and ferroptosis pathways (in vitro and in vivo results).
  • The CFA-MN patch exhibited a robust mechanical strength and rapid dissolution.

Sources:

  • Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2025;700:138558
  • Qunli Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
  • Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China
  • Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA (Journal of Colloid and Interface Science)

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