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A novel theranostic probe called CX-B-DF is constructed for precise chemotherapy guided by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. Moreover, the theranostic probe shows high cytotoxicity to cancer cells under dual activation (H2O2 and TP), which causes the accuracy of drug release to be improved and the toxic side effects to be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under evolutionary pressure from chemotherapy, cancer cells develop resistance characteristics such as a low redox state, which eventually leads to treatment failures. An attractive option for combatting resistance is producing a high concentration of produced free radicals in situ. Here, we report the production and use of dispersible hollow carbon nanospheres (HCSs) as a novel platform for delivering the drug doxorubicine (DOX) and generating additional cellular reactive oxygen species using near-infrared laser irradiation. These irradiated HCSs catalyzed sufficiently persistent free radicals to produce a large number of heat shock factor-1 protein homotrimers, thereby suppressing the activation and function of resistance-related genes. Laser irradiation also promoted the release of DOX from lysosomal DOX@HCSs into the cytoplasm so that it could enter cell nuclei. As a result, DOX@HCSs reduced the resistance of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR) to DOX through the synergy among photothermal effects, increased generation of free radicals, and chemotherapy with the aid of laser irradiation. HCSs can provide a unique and versatile platform for combatting chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells. These findings provide new clinical strategies and insights for the treatment of resistant cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the absence of early clinical symptoms. Although surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy represent the major treatment methods employed for this cancer, the prognosis of esophageal cancer remains poor. Methods A Ph.D.-12™ Phage Display Peptide Library was screened using an esophageal cancer cell line, Eca109, and a normal esophageal epithelial cell line to identify novel ligands that selectively bind the surface of esophageal cancer cells with high affinity. Results Two polypeptides were isolated that exhibited higher binding affinities and specificity for the Eca109 cells. These peptides were further validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), immunofluorescence assays, and immunohistochemistry assays. Conclusion Two polypeptides with high binding affinities to esophageal cancer cells were isolated from the Ph.D.-12™ Phage Display Peptide Library. Further studies are needed to characterize the biological effects of these polypeptides and to explore the potential for these peptides to be used for the early screening of esophageal cancer or for cell-targeted therapies that would reduce the toxic side effects of cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]