Ginsenoside Rh2-Based Multifunctional Liposomes for Advanced Breast Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Advanced solid tumors possess self-protective mechanisms hindering effective drug delivery.
• Current nanomedicine approaches face limitations in treating large, advanced tumors.
• A realistic large tumor model was developed to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a multifunctional ginsenoside Rh2-based liposome system (Rh2-lipo) for advanced breast cancer treatment.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of Rh2-lipo in a large tumor model.
• To evaluate the efficacy of paclitaxel-loaded Rh2-lipo (PTX-Rh2-lipo) against advanced breast tumors.

Main Methods:

• Rh2-lipo were prepared by substituting cholesterol and PEG with Rh2.
• In vitro studies assessed cell uptake, tumor spheroid penetration, and cytotoxicity using 4T1 breast cancer and L929 fibroblast cells.
• An orthotopic 4T1-bearing large tumor model was used to evaluate in vivo targeting and antitumor effects of PTX-Rh2-lipo.

Main Results:

• Rh2-lipo demonstrated enhanced uptake by tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) and cancer cells.
• The formulation exhibited high targeting and penetration capabilities, with cytotoxicity against TAFs.
• PTX-Rh2-lipo significantly inhibited advanced breast tumor growth, outperforming existing paclitaxel formulations.

Conclusions:

• Rh2-lipo enhances drug delivery efficiency and antitumor efficacy in advanced breast cancer.
• The developed liposome system offers a promising platform for advanced tumor therapy.
• This novel approach addresses limitations of current treatments for large, advanced tumors.