Publications | Nano Publications

2019 – Bulletin Cancer – NBTXR3 improves pathological response

Doubling complete histological response in sarcomas with radiation therapy using nanoparticles (Hafnium oxide, NBTXR3), a phase III trial.

2019 – The Lancet Oncology – Act.In.Sarc

Clinical Data NBTXR3, NO-RIGHTS, Publications, STS

Pathological complete response to preoperative treatment in adults with soft-tissue sarcoma can be achieved in only a few patients receiving radiotherapy. This phase 2–3 trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of the hafnium oxide (HfO2) nanoparticle NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone as a pre-operative treatment in patients with locally advanced soft-tissue sarcoma. Act.In.Sarc is a phase 2–3 randomised, multicentre, international trial. Adults (aged ≥18 years) with locally advanced soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremity or trunk wall, of any histological grade, and requiring preoperative radiotherapy were included. […]

2019 – Radiother Oncol – NBTXR3 improves cGAS-STING activation

In Vitro, In Vitro in Vivo NBTXR3, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

The cGAS-STING pathway can be activated by radiation induced DNA damage and because of its important role in anti-cancer immunity activation, methods to increase its activation in cancer cells could provide significant therapeutic benefits for patients. We explored the impact of hafnium oxide nanoparticles (NBTXR3) activated by radiotherapy on cell death, DNA damage, and activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. […]

2017 – Nano-sized cytochrome p450 3a4 inhibitors to block hepatic – Paolini et al.

Miscellaneous, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

Most drugs are metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), resulting in their reduced bioavailability. In this study, we present the design and evaluation of biocompatible nanocarriers trapping a natural CYP3A4-inhibiting compound. Our aim in using nanocarriers was to target the natural CYP3A4-inhibiting agent to hepatic CYP3A4 and leave drug-metabolizing enzymes in other organs undisturbed.

2017 – A new opportunity for nanomedicines – Paolini et al.

Miscellaneous, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

Nanomedicines are mainly used as drug delivery systems; here we evaluate a new application - to inhibit a drug's metabolism thereby enhancing its effective dose. Micelles containing the natural furanocoumarin 6′,7′ dihydroxybergamottin (DHB), a known CYP450 inhibitor, were developed to transiently block hepatic CYP450-mediated drug metabolism and increase the bioavailability of the oncology drug docetaxel.

2016 – Phase I data NBTXR3 Soft Tissue Sarcoma – Bonvalot et al.

Clinical Data NBTXR3, NO-RIGHTS, Publications, STS

This phase I study aimed to determine the recommended dose (RD), safety profile, and feasibility of a procedure combining intratumoral injection of hafnium oxide nanoparticles (NBTXR3; a radioenhancer) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for preoperative treatment of adults with locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Patients had a preoperative indication of EBRT for STS of the extremity or trunk. Baseline tumor volume (TV) was calculated by MRI. NBTXR3 was injected percutaneously into tumors at 53.3 g/L. Dose escalation was based on four levels equivalent to 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of baseline TV. NBTXR3 was visualized in the tumor 24 hours postinjection, and EBRT was initiated (50 Gy over 5 weeks).

2015 – Metals as radio-enhancers in oncology – Pottier et al.

Miscellaneous, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

Radio-enhancers, metal-based nanosized agents, could play a key role in oncology. They may unlock the potential of radiotherapy by enhancing the radiation dose deposit within tumors when the ionizing radiation source is ‘on’, while exhibiting chemically inert behavior in cellular and subcellular systems when the radiation beam is ‘off’. Important decision points support the development of these new type of therapeutic agents originated from nanotechnology. Here, we discuss from an industry perspective, the interest of developing radio-enhancer agents to improve tumor control, the relevance of nanotechnology to achieve adequate therapeutic attributes, and present some considerations for their development in oncology.

2015 – The future of nanosized radiation enhancers – Pottier et al.

Miscellaneous, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

Radiotherapy has a universal and predictable mode of action, that is, a physical mode of action consisting of the deposit of a dose of energy in tissues. Tumour cell damage is proportional to the energy dose. However, the main limitation of radiotherapy is the lack of spatial control of the deposition of energy, that is, it penetrates the healthy tissues, damages them and renders unfeasible delivery of an efficient energy dose when tumours are close to important anatomical structures. True nanosized radiation enhancers may represent a disruptive approach to broaden the therapeutic window of radiation therapy.

2014 – Metals as Nanosized Radioenhancers – Pottier et al.

Clinical Data NBTXR3, Head & Neck, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

Since the discovery of cisplatin about 40 years ago, the design of innovative metal-based anticancer drugs is a growing area of research. Transition metal coordination complexes offer potential advantages over the more common organic-based drugs, including a wide range of coordination number and geometries, accessible redox states, tunability of the thermodynamics and kinetics of ligand substitution, as well as a wide structural diversity. Metal-based substances interact with cell molecular targets, affecting biochemical functions resulting in cancer cell destruction. Radionuclides are another way to use metals as anticancer therapy.

2014 – NBTXR3 concept and dose enhancement – Marill et al.

In Vitro, In Vitro in Vivo NBTXR3, NO-RIGHTS, Publications

Hafnium oxide, NBTXR3 nanoparticles were designed for high dose energy deposition within cancer cells when exposed to ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of predicting the in vitro the biological effect of NBTXR3 nanoparticles when exposed to ionizing radiation. Cellular uptake of NBTXR3 nanoparticles was assessed in a panel of human cancer cell lines (radioresistant and radiosensitive) by transmission electron microscopy. The radioenhancement of NBTXR3 nanoparticles was measured by the clonogenic survival assay.