Combination of polymeric micelle formulation of TGFβ receptor inhibitors and paclitaxel produces consistent response across different mouse models of Triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is notoriously difficult to treat due to the lack of targetable receptors and sometimes poor response to chemotherapy. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family of proteins and their receptors (TGFRs) are highly expressed in TNBC and implicated in chemotherapy-induced cancer stemness. Here, we evaluated combination treatments using experimental TGFR inhibitors (TGFβi), SB525334 (SB), and LY2109761 (LY) with paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy.

Toward the Clinical Translation of Safe Intravenous Long Circulating Iodinated Lipid Nanoemulsion Contrast Agents for CT Imaging.

Current clinical small molecule x-ray CT agents are effective but pose risks such as nephrotoxicity, short blood circulation time, limiting scan durations, potential thyroid impact, and immune responses. These challenges drive the development of kidney-safe x-ray nanoparticle (NP)-based contrast agents (CAs), though translation to clinical practice is hindered by chemical complexities and potential toxicity. We have engineered an intravenous, injectable, and safe blood pool NP-based CT CAs at a clinical-equivalent dose of ∼300 mgI/kg (∼2 mL/kg), ideal for vascular and hepatic imaging which are limited by clinical agents.

Tumor microenvironment immunomodulation by nanoformulated TLR 7/8 agonist and PI3k delta inhibitor enhances therapeutic benefits of radiotherapy.

Infiltration of immunosuppressive cells into the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with suppressed effector T cell (Teff) responses, accelerated tumor growth, and poor clinical outcomes. Previous studies from our group and others identified infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) as critical contributors to immune dysfunction in the orthotopic claudin-low tumor model, limiting the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy. However, approaches to target these cells in the TME are currently lacking.