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Updated: Sep 23, 2025
Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases
Published on: August 23, 2024
Antiproliferative and apoptotic potential of methotrexate lipid nanoparticles in a murine breast cancer model
Chaitali Surve1,2, Ananya Banerjee3, Anupriya S3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Vivekanand Education Society's College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India.
Abstract:
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of novel methotrexate-loaded nanoparticles (MTX-NPs) in vitro and in vivo in the treatment of breast cancer. Materials & methods: MTX-NPs were tested for cellular uptake, cell viability, cell cycle, cellular wound migration and changes in tumor volume using characterized NPs. Results: The solid lipid NPs (SLNPs) showed strong cellular uptake, increased apoptosis, controlled cytotoxicity at lower IC50 of methotrexate and a sizable reduction in tumor burden. Conclusion: MTX-NP oral formulation can be a promising candidate in breast cancer treatment with improved cellular uptake and in vivo efficacy.
Insights
Novel methotrexate-loaded nanoparticles (MTX-NPs) show promise for breast cancer treatment. These nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and significant tumor reduction in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Conventional chemotherapy faces challenges like poor bioavailability and systemic toxicity.
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems offer potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of novel methotrexate-loaded nanoparticles (MTX-NPs) in vitro and in vivo for breast cancer treatment.
- To assess the impact of MTX-NPs on cancer cell behavior and tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of methotrexate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNPs).
- In vitro assays: cellular uptake, cell viability, cell cycle analysis, and wound migration.
- In vivo studies: assessment of tumor volume changes in a breast cancer model.
Main Results:
- SLNPs exhibited strong cellular uptake and enhanced apoptosis in cancer cells.
- MTX-NPs demonstrated controlled cytotoxicity with a lower IC50 compared to free methotrexate.
- Significant reduction in tumor burden was observed in vivo with the MTX-NP formulation.
Conclusions:
- Oral MTX-NP formulation is a promising candidate for breast cancer therapy.
- Improved cellular uptake and in vivo efficacy of MTX-NPs suggest enhanced therapeutic potential.
- Nanoparticle-based drug delivery can overcome limitations of conventional methotrexate treatment.
