Radiation-Activated Cobalt-Based Zeolite Imidazolate Frameworks for Tumor Multitherapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Radiation dynamic therapy (RDT) shows promise for cancer treatment but faces challenges like poor radiation sensitization and tumor hypoxia.
• Developing effective strategies to overcome these limitations is crucial for enhancing RDT efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biodegradable drug delivery system for collaborative RDT and radiotherapy (RT).
• To investigate the potential of quercetin and sorafenib-loaded ZIF67 nanoparticles (QSZP NPs) coated with polydopamine in overcoming tumor hypoxia and enhancing RDT.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized polydopamine-coated ZIF67 nanoparticles loaded with quercetin and sorafenib (QSZP NPs).
• Evaluated QSZP NPs for x-ray sensitization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vitro.
• Assessed the therapeutic efficacy and systemic toxicity of QSZP NPs in a HepG2 tumor-bearing mouse model under X-ray irradiation.

Main Results:

• QSZP NPs effectively controlled the tumor microenvironment (TME) and overcame hypoxia.
• In vitro studies confirmed the nanoparticles' potential for x-ray sensitization and ROS-mediated effects.
• In vivo studies demonstrated good therapeutic effects with no apparent systemic toxicity in a HepG2 tumor model.

Conclusions:

• The developed QSZP NPs offer a promising approach for synergistic RDT/RT and anti-angiogenic cancer therapy.
• This novel nanoparticle system effectively addresses tumor hypoxia and enhances radiation-based cancer treatment outcomes.