A COX-2-Targeted Platinum(lV) Prodrug Induces Apoptosis and Reduces Inflammation in Bladder Cancer Models

Background: Bladder cancer is a common and heterogeneous malignancy of the urinary tract. Traditional chemotherapy using bivalent platinum drugs such as cisplatin(CDDP) is often limited by severe side effects and acquired resistance. To overcome these limitations, we explored a novel Pt(IV) prodrug, DNP, designed to release both cytotoxic cisplatin and the anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor naproxen(NPX). Methods: We evaluated the cytotoxic activity of DNP using both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models of bladder cancer cells. Transcriptomic analysis via RNA-seq identified apoptosis- and inflammation-related signaling pathways modulated by DNP. RNA-seq-based transcriptomic profiling revealed that DNP regulates signaling pathways associated with apoptosis and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage model, while the in vivo antitumor efficacy was assessed in an orthotopic MB49 bladder cancer model. Results: Compared with CDDP, DNP significantly increased intracellular platinum accumulation and exhibited superior cytotoxicity. It effectively inhibited tumor proliferation, induced apoptosis, and attenuated inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: These findings suggest that DNP exerts dual antitumor effects through enhanced delivery of cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory agents, offering a promising strategy for bladder cancer therapy.