Engineered Cancer Cell Membrane-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks for Irinotecan/Curcumin Codelivery in...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Irinotecan (CPT-11), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is crucial for colorectal cancer treatment.
• Clinical use of irinotecan is hampered by severe side effects like diarrhea and myelosuppression.
• Biomimetic nanodrug delivery systems offer potential to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cancer cell membrane-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) for co-delivery of irinotecan and curcumin (MZCC).
• To create a pH-sensitive drug delivery system for enhanced colorectal cancer treatment.
• To evaluate the anti-cancer efficiency and safety profile of the MZCC system in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MZCC by combining irinotecan, curcumin, MOFs, and cancer cell membranes.
• Characterization and stability assessment of the MZCC system.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of anti-cancer efficacy and systemic toxicity in a murine colorectal cancer model.

Main Results:

• The MZCC system demonstrated a 2.3-fold increase in antitumor efficacy compared to free irinotecan via synergistic chemotherapy.
• MZCC treatment led to a 55% reduction in inflammatory cytokine levels in colon tissues.
• Colon length was restored to 79% of normal in MZCC-treated groups, indicating reduced intestinal toxicity.

Conclusions:

• The developed MZCC system effectively alleviates irinotecan-induced intestinal toxicity and mitigates adverse reactions.
• This cancer cell membrane-functionalized MOF approach shows promise for enhancing chemotherapeutic efficacy.
• The strategy offers a novel method for reducing gastrointestinal toxicity in cancer treatment.