The synthesis and application of nano doxorubicin- indocyanine green matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel in chemophototherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

摘要

BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignancies, with high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Owing to the special anatomical location of this tumor, an effective, minimally invasive treatment with low systemic toxicity is highly desirable. Hydrogels have shown great potential for tumor-targeting therapy, with excellent performance. However, there have been few reports on co-loading photosensitizers and chemotherapeutic drugs into hydrogels. In this study, we synthesized a nano doxorubicin-indocyanine green matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive hydrogel (denoted as NDIMH), combining chemotherapy and phototherapy, to achieve superior antitumor efficacy.