Effective colon cancer prophylaxis in mice using embryonic stem cells and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Teodora Mocan
Cornel Iancu
Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine (2011)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: carbon nanotubes; colon cancer; embryonic stem cells; immunization; synergistic enhancement
Affiliations: Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 

Abstract:  Introduction: In recent years, a new concept of an anticancer vaccine has been proposed to prevent and control the proliferation and expansion of cancer cells by eliciting an immune boost in biological systems. The recent literature supports the role of embryonic stem cells (ESC) as cellular agents that stimulate the biological systems to destroy cancer cells. However, at present, a true anticancer vaccine remains elusive. There are several lines of evidence showing that carbon nanotubes may be used to initiate and maintain immune responses. Objective: The authors proposed to test the therapeutic potential of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) combined with ESC as agents to induce an immune boost and provide subsequent anticancer protection in mice. Methods: C57 BL/6 mice were immunized with ESC and MWCNTs. Results: The proposed vaccine led to significant antitumor responses and enhanced tumor rejection in mice with subcutaneous inoculation of MC38 colon malign cells compared with groups only administered ESC, only MWCNTs, and controls. Conclusion: The application and potential of ESC combined with MWCNTs as anticancer immunization agents may represent the beginning of a new chapter in the treatment of colon cancer. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 image duplications ![file] Disclaimer: These potential image duplications have been detected automatically using ImageTwin http: dx.doi.org 10.1145 3019612.3019875 Although results have been curated, the automatic algorithm may have generated false positive results and cannot take into account all scientific explanations for apparent duplications like stripped and reprobed blots, time series, serial sections and reused controls. , 
 I agree with these concerns and have reported this to the journal. There may be additional concerns elsewhere. , 
 Retracted [4 August 2022] . ------------------------------ At the authoru2019s request, the Editor and Publisher of International Journal of Nanomedicine wish to retract the published article. Authors concerns were raised regarding the alleged duplication of images in Figure 4. Specifically, - Figure 4, CD4+, ESC appears to have been duplicated with the same image from Figure 4, CD4+, MWCNTs, which has been rotated. - Figure 4, CD8+, ESC appears to have been duplicated with the same image from Figure 4, CD8+, MWCNTs, which has been rotated. The authors explained the duplication was an error which occurred during the collection and saving of the images. The authors provided some of the original images relating to Figure 4. The authors requested to retract the article and the Editor agreed with this decision. Our decision-making was informed by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retraction. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as u201cRetractedu201d. ,