ChemoRad nanoparticles: a novel multifunctional nanoparticle platform for targeted delivery of concurrent chemoradiation

Abstract

Aim: The development of chemoradiation - the concurrent administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy - has led to significant improvements in local tumor control and survival. However, it is limited by its high toxicity. In this study, we report the development of a novel NP (nanoparticle) therapeutic, ChemoRad NP, which can deliver biologically targeted chemoradiation. Method: A biodegradable and biocompatible lipid-polymer hybrid NP that is capable of delivering both chemotherapy and radiotherapy was formulated. Results: Using docetaxel, indium111 and yttrium90 as model drugs, we demonstrated that the ChemoRad NP can encapsulate chemotherapeutics (up to 9% of NP weight) and radiotherapeutics (100 mCi of radioisotope per gram of NP) efficiently and deliver both effectively. Using prostate cancer as a disease model, we demonstrated the targeted delivery of ChemoRad NPs and the higher therapeutic efficacy of ChemoRad NPs. Conclusion: We believe that the ChemoRad NP represents a new class of therapeutics that holds great potential to improve cancer treatment. © 2010 Future Medicine Ltd.