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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Black phosphorus nanoparticles for dual therapy of non-small cell lung cancer
Zhongxiao Lin1,2, Qiudi Deng3, Qi Fang1
1Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA & National Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in humans. Gefitinib is an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) commonly used to suppress tumour growth. However, constantly use of gefitinib results in drug-resistance, reduced efficacy and undesired side effects. To circumvent these drawbacks, targeted and photothermal therapies have emerged as effective strategies. Herein, we are first to adopt a black phosphorus (BP) nanoparticle-based novel delivering strategy by combining gefitinib and cancer cytomembrane to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In these gefitinib-containing nano-carriers, cyanine 5 (Cy5) biotin-labelled BP was incorporated with cancer membrane and then consists of a nanomaterial (BPGM), which enabled to deliver gefitinib to the tumours effectively. The combination of BPGM showed reinforcing effects to suppress NSCLC cells and xenograft tumours without apparent adverse effects both in vitro and in vivo. BPGM facilitated the delivery of gefitinib to tumour tissue and extended its retention time within tumours. These studies thus suggest that BP may serve as novel delivery strategy for lung cancer.
Insights
Black phosphorus nanoparticles deliver gefitinib effectively to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This novel approach overcomes drug resistance and reduces side effects, showing promise for lung cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of human mortality.
- Gefitinib, an EGFR-TKI, treats tumors but faces challenges like drug resistance and side effects.
- Targeted and photothermal therapies offer potential solutions for overcoming gefitinib's limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel drug delivery system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To combine gefitinib with black phosphorus (BP) nanoparticles and cancer cytomembranes for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the BPGM system in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanomaterial (BPGM) by incorporating cyanine 5 (Cy5) biotin-labeled BP with cancer cell membranes.
- Loading gefitinib into the BPGM nano-carriers.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of BPGM's efficacy in suppressing NSCLC cells and tumors.
- Assessment of gefitinib delivery, retention, and potential adverse effects.
Main Results:
- The BPGM system effectively delivered gefitinib to tumor tissues, increasing its retention time.
- BPGM demonstrated reinforcing effects in suppressing NSCLC cells and xenograft tumors.
- The combined therapy showed no apparent adverse effects both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Black phosphorus nanoparticles represent a promising novel delivery strategy for lung cancer treatment.
- The BPGM system effectively overcomes gefitinib resistance and enhances therapeutic outcomes.
- This approach offers a potential strategy for improving NSCLC treatment with reduced side effects.
