Engineering Cell‐Based Systems for Smart Cancer Therapy. (29th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirkhani, Nima; Gwisai, Tinotenda; Schuerle, Simone
• Is Part Of: Advanced intelligent systems. Volume 4:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-29
• Subjects: cancer therapy -- controlled release -- drug delivery -- living therapeutics -- tumor homing; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Robotics -- Periodicals; Control theory -- Periodicals; 006.3
• DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202100134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2640-4567

Abstract

Abstract : Due to the difficulty of targeting systemically delivered therapeutics for cancer, interest has grown in exploiting biological agents to enhance tumor accumulation and mediate localized drug delivery. Equipped with onboard sensing and active motility, some cells respond to specific cues of the tumor microenvironment, making them ideal candidates for smart cancer therapy. Herein, recent progress and developments are presented on the use of four of the most promising cell‐based systems for tumor targeting and drug delivery—immune cells, stem cells, platelets, and bacteria. Strategies to further enhance specificity at the tissue and cell level are discussed, including genetic engineering, chemical cell surface modification, and the use of external physical stimuli. With crucial ongoing efforts addressing the safety and efficacy of living intelligent therapeutics, a new era of cancer medicine is on the horizon. Abstract : Immune cells, stem cells, platelets, and bacteria possess unique attributes making them ideal candidates for smart cancer therapy. Equipped with onboard sensing and active motility, these cells can home to tumors where they release therapeutic cargo. External stimuli, such as magnetic fields, as well as cell surface modifications and genetic engineering can further enhance their safety and efficacy.