title: Specific targeting and noninvasive imaging of breast cancer stem cells using single-walled carbon nanotubes as novel multimodality nanoprobes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The limitation of current breast cancer treatments was elucidated by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that play essential role in cancer initiation, progression, resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Materials & methods: Biocompatible multimodality single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanoprobes were developed. The biodistribution and preferential homing of CD44 antibody-conjugated SWCNTs toward the tumor site were monitored using MRI, single-photon emission computed tomography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging noninvasive imaging modalities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Quantification of SWCNTs by sensitively measuring iron content in sorted CSC populations using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry confirmed the enhanced selective targeting of anti-CD44 SWCNT and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed enhanced colocalization with areas rich in CD44 receptors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preclinical study provided encouraging results for efficient targeting of breast CSCs and perspectives for further clinical studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of the designed nanocarriers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Achraf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Faraj
authors.affiliation: Prince Naif Health Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Asma Sultana
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Shaik
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Baraa
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Al Sayed
authors.affiliation: Prince Naif Center for Immunology Research & Asthma Research Chair, Pediatrics Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Rabih
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Halwani
authors.affiliation: Cyclotron & Radiopharmaceutical Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh 12713, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Al Jammaz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon
keywords: MRI; SPECT; biodistribution; breast cancer; cancer stem cells; carbon nanotubes; nanoparticles; noninvasive imaging; targeting