Exploring Human Amniotic Membrane as a Promising Anticancer Treatment for Bladder Cancer

In a recently published research paper in Scientific reports, we discuss the potential use of human amniotic membrane as an effective alternative for treating bladder cancer in the future.

Bladder cancer is known to have the highest lifetime treatment costs, creating an immense burden on both patients and the healthcare system. However, there is potential for a solution in the form of human amniotic membrane (hAM). This tissue possesses valuable properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. However, the potential of hAM as an anticancer agent is still not fully explored and understood.

Our recently published study sheds light on its mechanisms, showing that hAM preparations are capable of inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers and increasing TIMP2 secretion in bladder cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, hAM also demonstrated antimigratory effects by downregulating crucial proteins involved in actin reorganization and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which plays a significant role in promoting bladder cancer in muscle-invasive cells. By using various urothelial models, including normal, noninvasive, and muscle-invasive cells, our study has revealed promising insights into the anticancer effects of hAM, providing valuable information on potential therapeutic targets and encouraging further development studies for potential drugs. Read more here