A ROS-responsive polymeric prodrug nanosystem with self-amplified drug release for PSMA (-) prostate cancer specific

Yifan Wang1, Yanqiu Zhang2, Zhengxing Ru3

  • 1Department of Oncology, Yancheng First People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224005, China.

Abstract

Insights

Researchers developed a novel nanoplatform for prostate specific membrane antigen negative (PSMA (-)) prostate cancer. This targeted drug delivery system enhances therapeutic efficacy by amplifying drug release within cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Limitations in current nano-drug delivery systems include poor tumor site accumulation and incomplete intracellular drug release.
  • Prostate specific membrane antigen negative (PSMA (-)) prostate cancer lacks effective targeted therapies due to the absence of suitable biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel nanoplatform for PSMA (-) prostate cancer therapy.
  • To enhance targeted drug delivery and overcome incomplete drug release within cancer cells.
  • To create a ROS-responsive, self-accelerating drug release system.

Main Methods:

  • Development of ATD-NPs comprising a PSMA (-) cancer-targeting peptide (DUP-PEG-DSPE), a ROS-sensitive doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug (P(L-TK-DOX)), and a ROS generation agent (α-tocopheryl succinate, α-TOS).
  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation of ATD-NPs for tumor targeting, cellular uptake, and drug release kinetics.
  • Assessment of antitumor activity and therapeutic efficacy in PSMA (-) prostate cancer models.

Main Results:

  • ATD-NPs specifically accumulated in tumor sites and were internalized by PSMA (-) cancer cells.
  • Intracellular ROS triggered the release of DOX and α-TOS, with α-TOS further amplifying ROS production and accelerating drug release.
  • The combination of active targeting and self-amplifying ROS-responsive drug release demonstrated significant antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • The developed nanoplatform integrates active tumor targeting, self-amplified drug release, and good biocompatibility.
  • This technology shows promise for improving the therapeutic outcomes of PSMA (-) prostate cancer.

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