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Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts with hydroxyethyl starch nanomedicine boosts cancer therapy
Nano Research 2023, 16 (5): 7323-7336
Published: 21 January 2023
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in facilitating the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by deteriorating the tumor mechanical microenvironment (TMME). Herein, we designed a CAFs-targeting nanomedicine by conjugating doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded hydroxyethyl starch-IR780 nanoparticles (NPs) with Cys-Arg-Glu-Lys-Ala (CREKA) peptide, which had a special affinity for fibronectin overexpressed on CAFs. After systemic administration, the NPs efficiently targeted CAFs and generated hyperthermia upon light irradiation, decreasing CAFs through the combination of chemo- and photothermal-therapies. Thus, a series of changes in TMME were achieved by reducing CAFs, which further disrupted the niche of cancer stem cells (CSCs) to affect their survival. As a result, the tumor growth was significantly inhibited in 4T1 tumors. The strategy of TMME modulation and CSCs elimination through targeting and depleting CAFs provides a novel therapeutic treatment for desmoplastic solid tumors.

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