Side-Chain Selenium-Grafted Polymers Combining Antiangiogenesis Treatment with Photodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Abnormal tumor vasculature causes hypoxia, hindering nanomedicine delivery and efficacy.
• Nanomaterials with antiangiogenic properties can normalize tumor vessels and improve oxygen-related therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize ROS-responsive, selenium-grafted polymers for synergistic cancer treatment.
• To evaluate the potential of these nanomedicines in antiangiogenesis, PDT, and chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of ROS-responsive side-chain selenium-grafted polymers.
• Loading of photodynamic agent (Ce6) and chemotherapeutic drug (Oridonin).
• Investigation of C-Se bond cleavage, seleninic acid formation, and its effect on VEGF and MMP-2.

Main Results:

• NIR irradiation triggered C-Se bond cleavage and seleninic acid formation.
• Seleninic acid effectively downregulated VEGF and MMP-2, inhibiting angiogenesis and relieving hypoxia.
• Released Oridonin increased intracellular ROS, enhancing PDT efficacy.
• The nanomedicine demonstrated potential for synergistic antiangiogenesis, PDT, and chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Developed nanomedicines show promise for synergistic cancer therapy.
• The strategy effectively normalizes tumor vasculature and enhances therapeutic outcomes.
• These nanomedicines offer a potential new avenue for solid tumor treatment.