A Sonosensitizer-based Polymeric Nanoplatform for Realizing Chemo-sonodynamic Combination Therapy of Lung Cancer 

BackgroundLung cancer was regarded as the most common type of tumors worldwide, and the relative lethality was considerably high. However, since the tumor tissues located in deeper parts in human bodies, the traditional technologies like photodynamic therapy could not reached desired effect. Sonosensitizers can induce sonodynamic therapy, possessing the benefits of deep penetration and effective tumor inhibition by generating reactive oxygen. Besides, ultrasound possessed the ability of deep penetration, which showed favorable tumor inhibition effect.ResultsA redox/enzyme/ultrasound responsive Rhein-chondroitin sulfate nano-preparation encapsulating docetaxel was initially fabricated. The nanoparticles show increased cellular uptake with quick drug release, revealing good stability and monodispersed form in physiological environment. Also, Rhein could induce apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential change, enhancing the expression of apoptosis-related protein. Further, the inhibited metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer cells by sonodynamic therapy would lead to reduced expression of M2 type macrophages.ConclusionRhein was firstly discovered to possess the sonodynamic effect in this work by generating plenty of reactive oxygen after treating by ultrasound. The nanoplatform enhanced synergistic anti-tumor effect by both sonodynamic therapy and chemotherapeutic efficacy, and showed benign biocompatibility, which might pave a way for the investigation of chemo-sonodynamic therapy with different cancers.