Temperature-sensitive liposomes for co-delivery of tamoxifen and imatinib for synergistic breast cancer treatment

Abstract

Co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents using nanocarriers is a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents. The aim of this work was to develop tamoxifen and imatinib dual drug loaded temperature-sensitive liposomes to treat breast cancer. Liposomes were prepared using 1, 2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), monopalmitoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (MPPC), and different surface active agents. The liposomes were characterized for the average particle size, zeta potential, transition temperature, and drug release below and above liposomal transition temperature. The temperature-sensitive liposomes co-encapsulated with tamoxifen and imatinib were investigated for their synergistic activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The liposomal nanoparticles showed a transition temperature of 39.4 °C and >70% encapsulation efficiency for tamoxifen and imatinib. The temperature-responsive liposomes showed more than 80% drug released within 30 min above transition temperature. Dual drug loaded liposomes showed synergistic growth inhibition against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Co-delivery of tamoxifen and imatinib using temperature-sensitive liposomes can be developed as a potential targeting strategy against breast cancer.

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of cytotoxic activity of Tamoxifen bound liposomes against breast cancer cell line

“…The increase in tamoxifen concentration (200 to 1000 µg /ml) in liposomes increased growth inhibition from 80% to 90%. In contrast, addition of tamoxifen at higher concentration range (2 to 10 μM) in liposomes increased the growth inhibition from 6.1 % to 33.2 % [3] . The decrease in cell viability that accompanied by the administration of tamoxifen-loaded liposomes as compared to the free tamoxifen could be attributed to the sustained release of the encapsulated tamoxifen from liposomes then diffused passively into the cells, or the liposomes might be directly internalized by endocytosis.…”

“…Among the nanoparticles, various lipid nanoparticles are developed over the years for the breast cancer therapy, namely liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles [1,2] . Jose et al [3] developed dual drug tamoxifen and imatinib which loaded temperature-sensitive liposomes for breast cancer treatment. Dual drug loaded liposomes have demonstrated synergistic growth inhibition against breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.…”

Current trends and challenges in cancer management and therapy using designer nanomaterials

“…The dual drug-loaded thermo-sensitive liposomes exhibited significantly larger release rate of both the drugs at 40 °C and displayed synergistic inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation. The findings highlighted the development of a thermo-responsive liposomal drug delivery system for combinational breast cancer treatment [97]. Similarly, pH sensitive liposomes have also proved to be effective in increasing the drug accumulation in resistant tumor cells and are potent drug carriers that can overcome multidrug resistance.…”

<p>Development, Characterization and Use of Liposomes as Amphipathic Transporters of Bioactive Compounds for Melanoma Treatment and Reduction of Skin Inflammation: A Review</p>

“…The liposomes were tested in cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. 108 Patents related to liposomes and skin are regarding mostly for cosmetic products aimed to care for the skin (Table 3). There were not recent patents directed to liposomes and skin cancer.…”