CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T) cells have emerged as a milestone in the treatment of patients with refractory B-cell neoplasms. However, despite having unprecedented efficacy against hematological malignancies, the treatment is far from flawless. Its greatest drawbacks arise from a challenging and expensive production process, strict patient eligibility criteria and serious toxicity profile. One possible solution, supported by robust research, is the replacement of T lymphocytes with NK cells for CAR expression. NK cells seem to be an attractive vehicle for CAR expression as they can be derived from multiple sources and safely infused regardless of donor–patient matching, which greatly reduces the cost of the treatment. CAR-NK cells are known to be effective against hematological malignancies, and a growing number of preclinical findings indicate that they have activity against non-hematological neoplasms. Here, we present a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the use of CAR-NK cells in treating various solid tumors.

Many investigations are currently being performed to develop the effective synthesis methodology of magnetic nanoparticles with appropriately functionalized surfaces. Here, the novelty of the presented work involves the preparation of nano-sized PEGylated Fe₃O₄@Ag particles, i.e., the main purpose was the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with a functionalized surface. Firstly, Fe₃O₄ particles were prepared via the Massart process. Next, Ag+ reduction was conducted in the presence of Fe₃O₄ particles to form a nanosilver coating. The reaction was performed with arabic gum as a stabilizing agent. Sound energy-using sonication was applied to disintegrate the particles’ agglomerates. Next, the PEGylation process aimed at the formation of a coating on the particles’ surface using PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)) has been performed. It was proved that the arabic gum limited the agglomeration of nanoparticles, which was probably caused by the steric effect caused by the branched compounds from the stabilizer that adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles. This effect was also enhanced by the electrostatic repulsions. The process of sonication caused the disintegration of aggregates. Formation of iron (II, III) oxide with a cubic structure was proved by diffraction peaks. Formation of a nanosilver coating on the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was confirmed by diffraction peaks with 2θ values 38.15° and 44.35°. PEG coating on the particles’ surface was proven via FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analysis. Obtained PEG–nanosilver-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles may find applications as carriers for targeted drug delivery using an external magnetic field.

Hydrogels belong to the group of polymers with a three-dimensional crosslinked structure, and their crosslinking density strongly affects their physicochemical properties. Here, we verified the impact of both the average molecular weight of crosslinking agents used during the photopolymerization of hydrogels and that of their content on selected properties of these materials. First, PVP-based hydrogels modified with Aloe vera juice and L-ascorbic acid were prepared using UV radiation. Next, their surface morphology was characterized via optical scanning electron microscopy, whereas their chemical structure was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy. Moreover, we verified the tendency of the hydrogels to degrade in selected physiological liquids, as well as their tensile strength, percentage of elongation, and swelling capability. We found that the more crosslinking agent in the hydrogel matrix, the higher its tensile strength and the less elongation. The hydrogels showed the highest stability during incubation in SBF and 2% hemoglobin solution. A sharp decrease in the pH of distilled water observed during the incubation of the hydrogels was probably due to the release of Aloe vera juice from the hydrogel matrices. This was additionally confirmed by the decrease in the intensity of the absorption band derived from the polysaccharides included in this additive and by the decrease in the swelling ratio after 48 h. Importantly, all hydrogels demonstrated swelling properties, and it was proven that the higher content of the crosslinking agent in hydrogels, the lower their swelling ability.

Lapatinib is approved in combination with capecitabine for treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have progressed on prior trastuzumab in the metastatic setting. Vinorelbine is an important chemotherapy option for MBC. We evaluated efficacy and safety of lapatinib plus vinorelbine, compared with lapatinib plus capecitabine, in women with HER2-positive MBC. In this open-label, multicenter, phase II study, eligible patients (N = 112) were randomized 2:1 to lapatinib plus vinorelbine [(N = 75) 1,250 mg orally once daily (QD) continuously plus 20 mg/m²/day intravenously] or lapatinib plus capecitabine [(N = 37) 1,250 mg orally QD continuously plus 2,000 mg/m²/day orally, 2 doses]. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Other endpoints included overall survival (OS) and safety. Patients progressing within the study were given the option of crossover to the other treatment arm; time to second progression was an exploratory endpoint. Patient demographics, stratification, and prognostic factors were well balanced between treatments. Median PFS in both arms was 6.2 months [95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.2, 8.8 (lapatinib plus vinorelbine); 4.4, 8.3 (lapatinib plus capecitabine)]. Median OS on lapatinib plus vinorelbine was 24.3 months (95 % CI 16.4, NE) and 19.4 months (95 % CI 16.4, 27.2) on lapatinib plus capecitabine. In total, 42 patients opted to cross over; median PFS was 3.2 months (95 % CI 1.7, 5.1) on lapatinib plus vinorelbine and 4.0 months (95 % CI 2.1, 5.8) on lapatinib plus capecitabine. Lapatinib plus vinorelbine offers an effective treatment option for patients with HER2-overexpressing MBC, having displayed comparable efficacy and tolerability rates to lapatinib plus capecitabine.

Definitions of basal-like breast cancer phenotype vary, and microarray-based expression profiling analysis remains the gold standard for the identification of these tumors. Immunohistochemical identification of basal-like carcinomas is hindered with a fact, that on microarray level not all of them express basal-type cytokeratin 5/6, 14 and 17. We compared expression of cytokeratin 5, 14 and 17 in 115 patients with operable breast cancer estimated by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

The interest in the application of plant extracts as modifiers of polymers intended for biomedical purposes is constantly increasing. The therapeutical properties of the licorice root, including its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, make this plant particularly promising. The same applies to silver nanoparticles showing antibacterial properties. Thus the main purpose of the research was to design hydrogel dressings containing both licorice root extract and nanosilver so as to obtain a system promoting wound regeneration processes by preventing infection and inflammation within the wound. The first step included the preparation of the plant extract via the solid-liquid extraction using the Soxhlet extractor and the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the chemical reduction of silver ions using a sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. Subsequently, hydrogels were synthesized via photopolymerization and subjected to studies aiming at characterizing their sorption properties, surface morphology via scanning electron microscopy, and their impact on simulated physiological liquids supported by defining these liquids’ influence on hydrogels’ structures by FT-IR spectroscopy. Next, the tensile strength of hydrogels and their percentage elongation were determined. Performed studies also allowed for determining the hydrogels’ wettability and free surface energies. Finally, the cytotoxicity of hydrogels towards L929 murine fibroblasts via the MTT reduction assay was also verified. It was demonstrated that developed materials showed stability in simulated physiological liquids. Moreover, hydrogels were characterized by high elasticity (percentage elongation within the range of 24–29%), and their surfaces were hydrophilic (wetting angles below 90°). Hydrogels containing both licorice extract and nanosilver showed smooth and homogeneous surfaces. Importantly, cytotoxic properties towards L929 murine fibroblasts were excluded; thus, developed materials seem to have great potential for application as innovative dressings.