Synergistic efficacy of WST11-VTP and P-selectin-targeted nanotherapy in a preclinical prostate cancer model Journal Article


Authors: Nogueira, L.; Alvim, R.; Baker, H.; Nagar, K.; Thomas, J.; Alvim, L.; Kim, K.; Heller, D. A.; Reis, A.; Scherz, A.; Coleman, J.
Article Title: Synergistic efficacy of WST11-VTP and P-selectin-targeted nanotherapy in a preclinical prostate cancer model
Abstract: Objective: Radical therapies are associated with significant morbidity in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa). While advances in nuclear magnetic resonance techniques have enabled the development of focal ablation procedures that can selectively destroy tumors, preserve the gland and surrounding structures, and minimize side effects, existing vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) and nanodrug therapies often face limitations, such as recurrence and insufficient drug concentration at the tumor site. This study investigated a novel approach that combines VTP with systemic treatment using drug-loaded nanoparticles in a murine model, demonstrating substantial advancements beyond current monotherapies. Methods: SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice were engrafted with androgen-sensitive prostate tumor cells (LNCaP-AR) and treated with a combination of VTP and two different drugs linked to fucoidan nanoparticles (Enzalutamide and Paclitaxel). Experiments were performed using different cohorts: the evaluation of oncological effect, the administration time and concentration of systemic therapy, a comparison of efficacy between VTP and radiotherapy, and the induction of the abscopal effect in untreated synchronous tumors. Results: The groups that received combination therapy showed better tumor control. After eight weeks, the recurrence-free survival rates were 87.5%, 62.5%, and 50% in the VTP + N-PAC, VTP + N-ENZ, and VTP monotherapy groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the intra-tumoral concentration of nanodrugs between the groups with combined treatment and monotherapy. After two weeks, the monotherapy groups showed almost total elimination of the drugs, whereas in the combined therapy groups, this concentration remained high, starting to decrease after three weeks (p < 0.05). Treatment with nanodrugs associated with VTP showed superior oncological benefits compared to radiotherapy alone or in combination with other therapies. The abscopal effect on synchronous tumors was not demonstrated with VTP alone or in combination with nanodrugs. Conclusions: Combining vascular photodynamic therapy with nanodrugs was highly effective in treating a prostate tumor model, leading to increased survival and a reduced risk of tumor recurrence. This approach significantly advances beyond existing VTP and nanodrug therapies by improving tumor control, ensuring sustained intra-tumoral drug concentration, and yielding superior oncological outcomes. Our results suggest that this therapy is a potential treatment option for prostate tumors treated with VTP in future clinical trials. © 2025 by the authors.
Keywords: monotherapy; nonhuman; systemic therapy; paclitaxel; cancer radiotherapy; chemotherapy; mouse; tumor volume; animal experiment; animal model; cohort analysis; in vivo study; cancer cell culture; prostate cancer; nanoparticle; androgen receptor; cancer control; photodynamic therapy; severe combined immunodeficiency; ketamine; recurrence free survival; padgem protein; isoflurane; meloxicam; focal therapy; tumor ablation; buprenorphine; vascular targeted photodynamic therapy; synergistic effect; enzalutamide; male; article; lncap cell line; vtp; fucoidin; xylazine; padeliporfin
Journal Title: Cancers
Volume: 17
Issue: 14
ISSN: 2072-6694
Publisher: MDPI  
Date Published: 2025-07-02
Start Page: 2361
Language: English
DOI: 10.3390/cancers17142361
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC12293855
PUBMED: 40723245
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Jonathan Coleman
    349 Coleman
  2. Daniel Alan Heller
    115 Heller
  3. Kwanghee   Kim
    44 Kim
  4. Hanan Baker
    7 Baker
  5. Ricardo Goncalves Alvim
    26 Alvim
  6. Karan K Nagar
    14 Nagar
  7. Jasmine Thomas
    12 Thomas