Targeting triple-negative breast cancer with an aptamer-functionalized nanoformulation: a synergistic treatment that combines photodynamic and bioreductive therapies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Areas of hypoxia are often found in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), it is thus more difficult to treat than other types of breast cancer, and may require combination therapies. A new strategy that combined bioreductive therapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) was developed herein to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. Our design utilized the characteristics of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) molecules that reacted and consumed O₂ at the tumor site, which led to the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). The low microenvironmental oxygen levels enabled activation of a bioreductive prodrug, tirapazamine (TPZ), to become a toxic radical. The TPZ radical not only eradicated hypoxic tumor cells, but it also promoted therapeutic efficacy of PDT.<

SUBMITTER: Chou YT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8008604 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature