Amphiphilic photosensitizer polymer as a nanocarrier of cytotoxic molecule for carrier‐free combination therapy

Abstract

Various nanocarriers have been explored to deliver drugs for combination therapy. However, most nanocarriers are composed of inert materials without contribution for improving the cancer therapeutic effect. Herein, a hydrophobic photosensitizer is conjugated to poly (ethylene glycol) to form an amphiphilic polymer, which further self-assembles into nanomicelle. The generated nanomicelle can act as a nanocarrier to encapsulate a cytotoxic molecule, IR-775, for combination therapy. The yielded nanodrug is totally composed of pharmacologically active ingredients to avoid any possible toxicity resulted from carrier materials. The nanodrug performs enhanced therapeutic effect compared with any monotherapy and exhibits negligible hemolysis, indicating good biocompatibility for further in vivo applications.

Personalized SO2 Prodrug for pH-Triggered Gas Enhancement in Anti-Tumor Radio-Immunotherapy

“…Consideration of the targeting efficiency is essential before applying a nanoplatform for tumor treatment, as this approach can help reduce overall systemic toxicity while enhancing therapeutic efficacy [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. In recent times, personalized tumor therapy methods tailored to an individual patient’s physical conditions are demonstrating promising potential [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Previous research developed a nanocomplex for SO 2 release to diminish cancer stem cells in vivo, indicating its potential in modulating the issues of tumor heterogeneity [3]. A recently developed Pharmaceutics 2024, 16, 833 2 of 14 copper-loaded SO 2 prodrug has been found to exhibit the capacity to reduce levels of reducible glutathione (GSH) and enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby showing promise for anticancer applications [4]. Another bimetallic gold-silverbased nanorattle was developed as carriers for SO 2 prodrugs, enabling controlled release of gas to increase SO 2 levels for enhanced generation of ROS [13].…”