Thiolated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with Evans blue (EB@HMSN(E)-SH) significantly improved bladder tumor visualization. In conjunction with white light cystoscopy (WLC), this platform facilitated accurate outlining of malignant tissues, effectively distinguishing them from normal and inflammation-associated regions. The figure includes partially AI-generated artistic illustrations to conceptually illustrate the targeting mechanism.
A recent study published in Journal of Controlled Release demonstrated a novel tumor-targeting strategy for bladder cancer management using a mucoadhesive nanoplatform, EB@HMSN(E)-SH, in mouse and rat bladder tumor model. This system integrates Evans blue (EB) dye with thiolated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles to enhance tumor visualization during white light cystoscopy (WLC).
The thiolated nanoparticles selectively bind to tumor mucosa via disulfide bond formation between their thiol groups and mucins overexpressed in the tumor's mucus layer. This selective adhesion ensures robust co-localization of EB staining with tumor tissues, while minimizing nonspecific binding to normal or inflammation tissue. The resulting targeting specificity significantly enhances the visual contrast between malignant and non-malignant areas, facilitating more accurate tumor delineation.
By providing clearer tumor delineation, EB@HMSN(E)-SH-assisted WLC enables more complete surgical resection and minimizes residual tumor tissue. This innovation not only holds potential for intraoperative guidance but also reduces the risk of tumor recurrence, offering a promising advancement in the precision management of bladder cancer.
“Its mucoadhesive design and tumor-selective targeting endow it with exceptional retention and localization within the bladder, making it a highly promising tool in urologic oncology. This approach not only enhances diagnostic precision by enabling clearer tumor visualization but also holds strong potential to reduce tumor recurrence through improved drug delivery and sustained therapeutic exposure," says Prof. Ja-an Annie Ho.
Prof. Ja-an Annie Ho’s email address: [email protected]
