Radiation-Induced Obturator Nerve Injury in Cervical Cancer.

Cancer itself can have lifelong devastating effects, but radiation treatment can often also result in long-lasting neurological and musculoskeletal complications, leading to subsequent severe functional impairments. Physiatrists caring for the cancer rehabilitation population must be able to recognize and treat radiation-induced peripheral nerve injuries. This report presents a rare case of radiationinduced obturator neuropathy in a patient with recurrent cervical cancer.

Design and evaluation of hyaluronic acid-coated PLGA nanoparticles of raloxifene hydrochloride for treatment of breast cancer.

CONTEXT: In the present study, hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated raloxifene-loaded poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles have been developed to improve the anticancer potential and reduce side effects associated with the drug. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The investigation was aimed to formulate and optimize raloxifene hydrochloride (RALH)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with surface modification using HA as a targeting moiety. To perform physicochemical characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity study (using MCF-7), in vitro drug release study and in vivo pharmacodynamic study of optimized formulation. METHODOLOGY: Raloxifene hydrochloride-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique, followed by surface modification with HA. Formulation was optimized by using 23 factorial design and characterized by physicochemical, in vitro drug release, in vitro cytotoxicity studies, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and loading capacity of spherically shaped RALH-loaded nanoparticles were 207.3 ± 4.2 d.nm, 0.218 ± 0.127, -.127 mV, 43.75 ± 1.2%, and 7.55 ± 1.14%, respectively. The in vitro drug release showed sustained release and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model with non-Fickian release pattern. The in vitro cytotoxicity study of drug-loaded NPs by MTT assay on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell showed anti-cancer activity after 48 h of treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of the present investigation suggested that RALH-loaded HA-modified PLGA nanoparticles showed sustained drug release with anticancer activity and can be a promising approach for treatment of breast cancer.

Rehabilitation of Adult Patients with Primary Brain Tumors: A Narrative Review.

Rehabilitative measures have been shown to benefit patients with primary brain tumors (PBT). To provide a high quality of care, clinicians should be aware of common challenges in this population including a variety of medical complications, symptoms, and impairments, such as headaches, seizures, cognitive deficits, fatigue, and mood changes. By taking communication and family training into consideration, clinicians can provide integrated and patient-centered care to this population. This article looks to review the current literature in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation options for adult patients with PBTs as well as explore the role of the interdisciplinary team in providing survivorship care.

Combating head and neck cancer metastases by targeting Src using multifunctional nanoparticle-based saracatinib.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most important challenges in cancer treatment. Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated as a key promoter in tumor progression and metastasis of HNSCC. However, Src therapy for HNSCC is limited by lack of efficient in vivo delivery and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS: Src knockdown cells were achieved by lentiviral-mediated interference. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and Transwell assays. Protein levels were determined by Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry. The Src inhibitor saracatinib was loaded into self-assembling nanoparticles by the solvent evaporation method. An experimental metastasis mouse model was generated to investigate the drug efficacy in metastasis. RESULTS: Blockade of Src kinase activity by saracatinib effectively suppressed invasion and metastasis of HNSCC. Mechanistic assessment of the drug effects in HNSCC cells showed that saracatinib induced suppression of Src-dependent invasion/metastasis through downregulating the expression levels of Vimentin and Snail proteins. In tests in mice, saracatinib loaded into the novel multifunctional nanoparticles exhibited superior effects on suppression of HNSCC metastasis compared with the free drug, which is mainly attributed to highly specific and efficient tumor-targeted drug delivery system. CONCLUSIONS: These findings and advances are of great importance to the development of Src-targeted nanomedicine as a more effective therapy for metastatic HNSCC.