Carboranes have emerged as one of the most promising boron agents in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this context, in vivo studies are particularly relevant, since they provide qualitative and quantitative information about the biodistribution of these molecules, which is of the utmost importance to determine the efficacy of BNCT, defining their localization and (bio)accumulation, as well as their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. First, we gathered a detailed list of the carboranes used for in vivo studies, considering the synthesis of carborane derivatives or the use of delivery system such as liposomes, micelles and nanoparticles. Then, the formulation employed and the cancer model used in each of these studies were identified. Finally, we examined the analytical aspects concerning carborane detection, identifying the main methodologies applied in the literature for ex vivo and in vivo analysis. The present work aims to identify the current strengths and weakness of the use of carboranes in BNCT, establishing the bottlenecks and the best strategies for future applications.
2 December 2021 in Environmental Science & Technology
Bioconjugation of Rose Bengal and Chlorin e6 onto an FRα-targeted M13 bacteriophage enables validated dual-light phototheranostic assessment and selective treatment of ovarian cancer.
The widespread use of anticancer drugs (ACDs) in human therapies determines the occurrence of these potent cytotoxic chemicals into aquatic ecosystems. Nowadays, ACDs are ubiquitous contaminants in wastewater effluents and freshwater compartments, raising urgent questions about their environmental impact. Designed to disrupt cellular proliferation, these compounds are inherently bioactive and can exert toxic effects on non-target organisms even at trace concentrations. Conventional fate and toxicity tests provide important initial data but are limited in ecological realism, often focusing on single-specie and single-endpoint under controlled conditions and overlooking complex interactions, trophic dynamics, and long-term chronic exposures. Knowledge of all these aspects is needed for proper monitoring, assessment, and regulation of ACDs. Simulated ecosystem experiments, such as mesocosms, provide intermediate-scale, semi-controlled platforms for investigating real-world exposure scenarios, assessing ACD fate, and identifying both direct and indirect ecological effects. They offer distinct advantages for evaluating the chronic toxicity of persistent pollutants by enabling realistic long-term contamination simulations and supporting the simultaneous collection of comprehensive hazard and exposure endpoints. This perspective underscores the growing concern surrounding the contamination of ACDs, examines the limitations of traditional assessment approaches, and advocates for mesocosm-based studies as a critical bridge between laboratory research and ecosystem-level understanding. By integrating mesocosm experiments into environmental fate and risk evaluation, we can better predict the behavior and ecological consequences of anticancer pharmaceuticals, guiding strategies to mitigate their impact on aquatic life.