Multi-functional nanoparticles as theranostic agents for the treatment & imaging of pancreatic cancer

摘要

Theranostics has received considerable attention since both therapy and imaging modalities can be integrated into a single nanocarrier. In this study, fluorescent iron oxide (FLO) nanoparticles and gemcitabine (G) encapsulated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres (PGFIO) conjugated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, (HER-2) antibody (HER-PGFIO) were prepared and characterized. HER-PGFIO showed the magnetic moment of 10 emu/g, relaxivity (r(2)) of 773 mM(-1) s(-1) and specific absorption rate (SAR) of 183 Wig. HER-PGFIO showed a sustained release of gemcitabine for 11 days in PBS (pH 7.4). In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of HER-PGFIO in 3D MIAPaCa-2 cultures showed 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.11 mg/mL. Subcutaneous tumor xenografts of MIAPaCa-2 in SCID mice were developed and the tumor regression study at the end of 30 days showed significant tumor regression (86 +/- 3%) in the HER-PGFIO with magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) treatment group compared to control group. In vivo MRI imaging showed the enhanced contrast in HER-PGFIO + MHT treated group compared to control. HER-PGFIO showed significant tumor regression and enhanced MRI in treatment groups, which could be an effective nanocarrier system for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.