Near-infrared light triggered activation of pro-drug combination cancer therapy and induction of immunogenic cell death.

ABSTRACT: Disulfiram copper complex [Cu(DDC)₂] nanoparticles have been explored as promising anticancer agents but with concerns of toxic side effects. To improve tumor specificity and enhance anticancer efficacy, we developed a novel [copper sulfide nanoparticle (CuS NP) + disulfiram prodrug (DQ) micelle + near-infrared (NIR) laser] (CDL) combination therapy. DQ, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive prodrug, can be selectively activated at the tumor site with elevated ROS to release DDC and form Cu(DDC)₂in situ. The CuS NP + NIR laser treatment can effectively increase the intra-tumor ROS levels and efficiently activate the DQ prodrug. The CDL therapy kills cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, including ROS amplification cascade and Cu(DDC)₂ chemotherapy.

SUBMITTER: Kang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8567724 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature