Silica network improve the effect of fludarabine and paclitaxel on HCT8 cell line

This paper reports the potential of silica network to sensitize tumor cells and stimulate antitumor toxicity of fludarabine (FLU) and paclitaxel (PAC) against HCT8 cells. SiO₂, SiO₂/FLU and SiO₂/PAC nanostructured materials were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, InfraRed Microscopy and in vitro biological assays. When using SiO₂/PAC, it can be observed that the cytostatic effect of PAC is boosted only at high concentrations of this material. On the other hand, in the case of SiO₂/FLU, data showed an enhancement in the cytostatic activity of FLU by up to 25%, also when using this nanomaterial in low doses. These data represent preliminary study on the impact on silica nano-networks in targeted delivery and controlled release of antitumor drugs and they may be efficiently used for future biomedical applications in cancer therapy.