Nanoclay Drug-Delivery System Loading Potassium Iodide Promotes Endocytosis and Targeted Therapy in Anaplastic...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Oncology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis.
• Targeted drug delivery systems are needed to overcome ATC's rapid proliferation and resistance.
• Thyroid cells' iodine uptake and ATC cells' endocytosis present opportunities for targeted therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a nanoclay drug-loading system for enhanced anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment.
• To investigate the role of potassium iodide (KI) in nanoparticle delivery and efficacy.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of KI-modified nanoparticles in ATC models.

Main Methods:

• Development of a nanoclay drug-loading system (KI@DOX-KaolinMeOH) incorporating doxorubicin.
• In vivo studies to assess nanoparticle distribution and accumulation in thyroid tissue.
• Evaluation of nanoparticle-induced autophagy and its impact on chemotherapy effectiveness.

Main Results:

• KI@DOX-KaolinMeOH demonstrated exclusive enrichment in thyroid tissue.
• Improved nanoparticle dispersibility enhanced ATC cell uptake via endocytosis and autophagy.
• Achieved a tumor inhibition rate exceeding 90% in primary ATC foci.

Conclusions:

• Introducing KI to nanoclay systems improves nanoparticle aggregation and in vivo distribution.
• This strategy enhances targeted drug delivery and autophagy-mediated chemotherapy for ATC.
• The KI-modified nanoclay system shows significant potential as an advanced drug delivery vehicle for ATC treatment.