PTX-loaded Fe3O4@polydopamine nanoparticle complexes for antitumor therapy Cell Carcinoma: Synergistic Chemotherapy and In Vivo Efficacy

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) stands as one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms in the head and neck region, with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) emerging as the most frequent subtype. The management of advanced TSCC typically encompasses chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination thereof. Nonetheless, conventional chemotherapeutic agents are often characterized by their cytotoxicity, lack of specificity, and potential to induce tumor drug resistance. In recent years, advancements in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of targeted nano-drug delivery systems as a pivotal area of pharmaceutical research, garnering considerable attention owing to their potential in cancer treatment. This study is dedicated to the development of polydopamine-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA NPs) designed to facilitate precise, targeted anti-tumor chemotherapy, enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents against tumor cells, and ultimately inhibit tumor progression. The particle size of Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs was approximately 190 nm. In vivo cell experiments demonstrated that Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs exhibited good biocompatibility and biosafety, effectively killing tongue squamous carcinoma tumor cells. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments using nude mice revealed that Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs exerted a stronger tumor inhibitory effect compared to free PTX. Furthermore, under the influence of an external magnetic field, Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth and demonstrated a pronounced anti-tumor effect in vivo, thus achieving the goal of precise targeted therapy. In summary, Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs exhibit a significant anti-tumor effect on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and demonstrate enhanced tumor inhibition ability under the influence of an external magnetic field. This confirms that the use of Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs for cancer treatment achieves the effect of precise targeted therapy and holds potential for improving therapeutic efficacy. These findings indicate that Fe3O4@PDA-PEG-PTX NPs possess considerable potential and prospects for further development in clinical applications.