Celecoxib normalizes the tumor microenvironment and enhances small nanotherapeutics delivery to A549 tumors in nude mice.

ABSTRACT: Barriers presented by the tumor microenvironment including the abnormal tumor vasculature and interstitial matrix invariably lead to heterogeneous distribution of nanotherapeutics. Inspired by the close association between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor-associated angiogenesis, as well as tumor matrix formation, we proposed that tumor microenvironment normalization by COX-2 inhibitors might improve the distribution and efficacy of nanotherapeutics for solid tumors. The present study represents the first time that celecoxib, a special COX-2 inhibitor widely used in clinics, was explored to normalize the tumor microenvironment and to improve tumor nanotherapeutics delivery using a human-derived A549 tumor xenograft as the solid tumor model. Immunofluorescence staining of tumor slices dem

SUBMITTER: Zhang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5577220 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature