Specific Targeting and Noninvasive Imaging of Breast Cancer Stem Cells Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Novel Multimodality Nanoprobes

Abstract

Background: The limitation of current breast cancer treatments was elucidated by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that play essential role in cancer initiation, progression, resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Materials & methods: Biocompatible multimodality single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanoprobes were developed. The biodistribution and preferential homing of CD44 antibody-conjugated SWCNTs toward the tumor site were monitored using MRI, single-photon emission computed tomography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging noninvasive imaging modalities. Results: Quantification of SWCNTs by sensitively measuring iron content in sorted CSC populations using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry confirmed the enhanced selective targeting of anti-CD44 SWCNT and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed enhanced colocalization with areas rich in CD44 receptors. Discussion & conclusion: This preclinical study provided encouraging results for efficient targeting of breast CSCs and perspectives for further clinical studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of the designed nanocarriers.

Keywords::

• biodistribution
• breast cancer
• cancer stem cells
• carbon nanotubes
• MRI
• nanoparticles
• noninvasive imaging
• SPECT
• targeting

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This project was funded by the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award Number (12-MED2535). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award Number (12-MED2535). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.