Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
A reduction and pH dual-sensitive nanodrug for targeted theranostics in hepatocellular carcinoma
Mingyue Cai1, Bo Li, Liteng Lin
1Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, and Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China. zhksh010@163.com.
Abstract:
Sorafenib (SF) is the first drug demonstrated to improve the survival of patients diagnosed with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its clinical application is limited by the poor oral bioavailability and severe side effects. In this study, a multifunctional micellar nanodrug was developed for simultaneous HCC-targeted delivery of SF and tumor detection with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The micellar nanodrug incorporating SF and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) was prepared from a diblock copolymer of monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(N-(2-aminoethanethiol-co-2-aminoethyldiisopropylamine) aspartamide) and then decorated with anti-glypican-3 antibody (AbGPC3). Owing to the small size, weak positive charge and AbGPC3-mediated active targeting to HCC cells, the nanodrug exhibited an easy cellular uptake and enhanced tumor accumulation. The prominent reduction and pH dual-sensitivity allowed the nanodrug to rapidly release SF inside cancer cells via responding to the cytoplasmic glutathione and lysosomal acidity. The nanodrug not only significantly improved the anticancer effects of SF in hepatoma treatment but also facilitated a noninvasive tumor detection and monitoring of in vivo drug delivery by MRI, which revealed its great potential as a promising theranostic system.
Insights
This study developed a novel micellar nanodrug for targeted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment and MRI detection. The nanodrug enhances sorafenib (SF) delivery and efficacy while enabling noninvasive tumor monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sorafenib (SF) improves survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but has limitations.
- Poor oral bioavailability and severe side effects hinder SF's clinical use.
- Need for targeted drug delivery and effective monitoring in HCC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a multifunctional micellar nanodrug for simultaneous HCC-targeted SF delivery and MRI detection.
- Enhance SF's therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Create a theranostic system for noninvasive tumor monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Prepared a micellar nanodrug using a diblock copolymer.
- Incorporated SF and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs).
- Decorated nanodrug with anti-glypican-3 antibody (AbGPC3) for active targeting.
Main Results:
- Nanodrug showed small size, weak positive charge, and AbGPC3-mediated targeting for enhanced cellular uptake and tumor accumulation.
- Dual-sensitive release of SF in response to cytoplasmic glutathione and lysosomal acidity.
- Significantly improved anticancer effects of SF in hepatoma treatment.
- Enabled noninvasive tumor detection and in vivo drug delivery monitoring via MRI.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanodrug is a promising theranostic system for HCC.
- It enhances SF efficacy and allows for MRI-guided treatment monitoring.
- AbGPC3-targeted nanodrug offers improved cellular uptake and tumor accumulation.
More Related Videos
09:49Dual-phase Cone-beam Computed Tomography to See, Reach, and Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Drug-eluting Beads Transarterial Chemo-embolization
Published on: December 2, 2013
09:02Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2024
