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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Using In Vitro Live-cell Imaging to Explore Chemotherapeutics Delivered by Lipid-based Nanoparticles
Published on: November 1, 2017
RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes suppress non-small cell lung cancer growth by limiting
Liang Kong1, Fu-Yi Cai1, Xue-Min Yao1
1School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China.
Abstract:
Chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is far from satisfactory, mainly due to poor targeting of antitumor drugs and self-adaptations of the tumors. Angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) channels, migration, and invasion are the main ways for tumors to obtain nutrition. Herein, RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes were successfully prepared. These liposomes showed ideal physicochemical properties, enhanced tumor targeting and accumulation in tumor sites, and inhibited VM channel formation, tumor angiogenesis, migration and invasion. The liposomes also downregulated VM-related and angiogenesis-related proteins in vitro. Furthermore, when tested in vivo, the targeted co-delivery liposomes increased selective accumulation of drugs in tumor sites and showed extended stability in blood circulation. In conclusion, RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes showed strong antitumor efficacy in vivo and could thus be considered a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment.
Insights
New liposomes loaded with epirubicin and dioscin, modified with RPV, effectively target non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This approach inhibits tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, offering a promising new treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) faces challenges with drug targeting and tumor adaptation.
- Tumor growth relies on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM), alongside migration and invasion for nutrient acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes for enhanced NSCLC treatment.
- To investigate the liposomes' targeting capabilities, anti-angiogenic, and anti-VM effects both in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes.
- In vitro assessment of liposomes' effects on VM channel formation, migration, invasion, and related protein expression.
- In vivo evaluation of liposomes' tumor targeting, blood circulation stability, and antitumor efficacy in NSCLC models.
Main Results:
- The prepared liposomes exhibited desirable physicochemical properties and enhanced tumor targeting and accumulation.
- Liposomes effectively inhibited VM channel formation, tumor angiogenesis, migration, and invasion, downregulating related proteins in vitro.
- In vivo studies demonstrated increased selective drug accumulation in tumors, prolonged circulation stability, and significant antitumor activity.
Conclusions:
- RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes represent a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment.
- The targeted liposomes show enhanced antitumor efficacy by inhibiting key tumor growth and spread mechanisms.

