New nanoparticle therapy targets gastric cancer with precision

A team of researchers in China has developed a novel nanomedicine that precisely targets gastric cancer cells, significantly inhibiting tumor growth while showing minimal toxicity. Published in Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, the study introduces AS1411-siRNA lipid nanoparticles (As@LNPs) as a promising tool for safer and more effective cancer therapies.

Gastric cancer remains one of the most aggressive cancers worldwide, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. Traditional therapies often cause severe side effects due to their lack of tumor specificity. To address this, the researchers designed As@LNPs, combining a tumor-targeting aptamer (AS1411) with siRNA—a small RNA molecule that silences the Bmi-1 gene, known to drive cancer progression.

Researchers encapsulated Bmi-1 siRNA within liposomes, attaching AS1411 to ensure the nanoparticles specifically bind to tumor cells. The resulting particles demonstrated a drug-loading capacity of 4.6% and a zeta potential of 33.79 mV, ensuring stability and effective cellular uptake.

In lab experiments, As@LNPs demonstrated a strong ability to suppress tumor cell growth. The nanoparticles significantly reduced the survival rate of gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner over 24–48 hours. Further testing showed that As@LNPs promoted apoptosis—programmed cell death—in treated cancer cells, as confirmed through Hoechst staining.

To assess the therapy's performance in vivo, the team used a mouse model of subcutaneous gastric cancer. Mice treated with As@LNPs experienced slower tumor growth, smaller tumor sizes, and extended survival rates compared to untreated controls.

"Targeting the Bmi-1 gene with nanoparticles has allowed us to disrupt a key pathway driving tumor growth while minimizing harm to healthy tissues," said leading author Kai Yang.

With their targeted delivery, genetic precision, and low toxicity, AS1411-siRNA lipid nanoparticles present a safer and more effective alternative to conventional gastric cancer therapies.

The researchers plan to further refine As@LNPs by studying their pharmacokinetics and long-term safety in larger animal models. "Our findings highlight the potential of targeted nanomedicines to transform gastric cancer treatment," Yang concluded.

This study marks an important step forward in developing precision therapies for gastric cancer, offering new hope to patients battling this challenging disease.