Ormeloxifene nanotherapy for cervical cancer treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cervical cancer (CxCa) is a leading global cancer in women, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
• Ormeloxifene (ORM), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), shows potential anti-cancer properties.
• Nanoparticle-based drug delivery offers targeted treatment with reduced toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate Ormeloxifene (ORM)-loaded poly [lactic-co-glycolic acid] (PLGA) nanoparticles for cervical cancer (CxCa) treatment.
• To assess the efficacy of this nanoformulation in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• ORM-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were synthesized using an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer.
• Internalization of the nanoformulation in Caski and SiHa cell lines was studied via endocytosis-mediated pathways.
• Cellular proliferation (MTS assay) and clonogenic potential (colony forming assay) were assessed, along with *in vivo* anti-tumor activity in an orthotopic mouse model.

Main Results:

• The PLGA-ORM nanoformulation demonstrated enhanced cellular internalization compared to free ORM.
• Significant inhibition of cellular proliferation and clonogenic potential was observed with the nanoformulation.
• The PLGA-ORM nanoformulation exhibited superior anti-tumor efficacy in an orthotopic cervical cancer mouse model.

Conclusions:

• The developed ORM-loaded PLGA nanoformulation shows significant potential for cervical cancer (CxCa) treatment.
• This novel nanotherapy approach may offer a more effective and targeted treatment modality for CxCa.
• Repurposing Ormeloxifene (ORM) through nanodelivery presents a promising avenue for CxCa management.