Selective killing of cancer stem cells by a novel dual-targeting strategy

Chemo- and radio-resistance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in solid tumors are the root causes of some cancer treatment failures in clinics. To eradicate tumors, in the present study we proposed a novel strategy against CSCs with a core-shell dual-targeting system, which consists of outer layers and inner parts. Anti-tumor therapeutic agents are loaded in the outer layer targeting cancer cells whereas antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with CSC targeting are encapsulated in the inner parts. The novel system we proposed can be concentrated in tumor tissue by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The drugs dispersed in the outer layer are supposed to kill the cancer cells, and then ADCs will be released gradually from the inner part at the tumor site which can target CSCs and help to eliminate cancer cells. In this regard, we may be able to kill the CSCs with these therapeutic drug combinations and improve the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy in cancer treatments.