The PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel was prepared by mixing PTX nanoparticles and EPB into self-assembled HA hydrogel.
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Local injection of PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel can effectively prevent postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and reduce systemic toxicity.
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The PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel can play a long-term and sustained anti-tumor effect.
Abstract
Post-operative recurrence and metastasis is a major challenge for breast cancer treatment. Local chemotherapy is a promising strategy that can overcome this problem. In this study, we synthesized an injectable hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) nanoparticles and epirubicin (EPB) (PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel). PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel steadily released the encapsulated drugs to achieve long-term inhibition of tumor recurrence and metastasis in a murine post-operative breast tumor model, which prolonged their survival without any systemic toxicity. The drug-loaded hydrogel inhibited the proliferation and migration of tumor cells in vitro, and significantly increased tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. Therefore, PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel can be used as a local chemotherapeutic agent to prevent postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer.
Graphical abstract
In this study, an injectable hydrogel PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel was developed by mixing PTX nanoparticles and EPB into self-assembled HA hydrogel. Local injection of PPNPs/EPB@HA-Gel can effectively prevent postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and reducing systemic toxicity.
