Title:The Potential of Nanotechnology to Replace Cancer Stem Cells
Volume: 19
Issue: 6
Author(s): Muhammad Ammar Amanat, Anum Farrukh, Muhammad Umer Bin Muhammad Ishaq, Binyameen Bin Shafqat, Saqib Hussain Haidri, Rehab Amin, Rafia Sameen, Tahira Kamal, Muhammad Naeem Riaz, Waleed Quresh, Rabia Ikram, Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Sania Begum, Sajid Ali Khan Bangash, Imdad Kaleem, Shahid Bashir*Sahir Hameed Khattak*
Affiliation:
- Neurosciences Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, P.O. Box 15215, Dammam 31444, Saudi Arabia
- National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB),
National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
Keywords:
Cancer stem cells, nanomaterials, nanotechnology, gold nano-particles, carbon nano-tubes, grapheme, and grapheme oxide.
Abstract: Stem cells, which were initially identified in the 1900s, are distinct cells with the potential to
replenish themselves as well as differentiate into specialised cells with certain forms and functions. Cancer
stem cells play a significant role in the growth and recurrence of the tumours and, similar to normal
stem cells, are capable of proliferating and differentiating. Traditional cancer treatments are ineffective
against cancer stem cells, which leads to tumour regrowth. Cancer stem cells are thought to emerge as a
result of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways. Brain, prostate, pancreatic, blood, ovarian, lung,
liver, melanomas, AML, and breast cancer stem cells are among the most prevalent cancer forms. This
review aims to comprehend the possibility of using specific forms of nanotechnology to replace cancer
stem cells. In terms of nanotechnology, magnetic nanoparticles can deliver medications, especially to the
target region without harming healthy cells, and they are biocompatible. In order to kill glioma cancer
stem cells, the gold nanoparticles bond with DNA and function as radio sensitizers. In contrast, liposomes
can circulate and traverse biological membranes and exhibit high therapeutic efficacy, precise targeting,
and better drug release. Similar to carbon nanotubes, grapheme, and grapheme oxide, these substances
can be delivered specifically when utilized in photothermal therapy. Recent treatments including
signaling pathways and indicators targeted by nanoparticles are being researched. Future research in
nanotechnology aims to develop more effective and targeted medicinal approaches. The results of the
current investigation also showed that this technology's utilization will improve medical therapy and
treatment.
