AQ4N Nanocomposites for their Hypoxia associated Tumor Combination Therapy

Abstract

Hypoxia in solid tumors heightens their invasiveness and resistance to therapy, presenting a formidable obstacle in tumor therapy. The hypoxia prodrug Banoxantrone (AQ4N) undergoes conversion into its topoisomerase II inhibitor form AQ4 in hypoxic conditions, which targeting inhibit tumor cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. Numerous studies have found that AQ4N significantly enhances tumor effect while minimizing toxicity to normal tissues when combined with other drugs or therapeutic approaches. To maximize the combination of AQ4N combination therapy, co-delivery of AQ4N and other therapeutic agents to the tumor site is paramount, leading to the development of multifunctional AQ4N nanocomposites co-loaded with other therapeutic agents, thereby emerging as promising candidates for combination therapy in tumor treatment. However, currently there is hardly systematic analysis and reviews focusing on AQ4N . Herein, this review provides a comprehensive retrospect and analysis of the recent advancements in AQ4N nanocomposites. Specifically discuss the synergistic effects observed when AQ4N is combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, radiotherapy, phototherapy, starvation, sonodynamic and immunotherapy in preclinical models. Moreover, the advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of different AQ4N nanocomposites are expounded upon, furnishing researchers from diverse fields with novel insights into tumor treatment.