Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) represents an intriguing topic for researchers. To date, the prognosis of metastasized PC is poor with just 7% of patients exceeding a five-year survival period. Thus, molecular modifications of existing drugs should be developed to change the course of the disease. Our previously generated nanocages of Mitoxantrone (MIT) encapsulated in human H-chain Ferritin (HFt), designated as HFt-MP-PASE-MIT, has shown excellent tumor distribution and extended serum half-life meriting further investigation for PC treatment. Thus, in this study, we used the same nano-formulation to test its cytotoxicity using both in vitro and in vivo assays. Interestingly, both encapsulated and free-MIT drugs demonstrated similar killing capabilities on PaCa44 cell line. Conversely, in vivo assessment in a subcutaneous PaCa44 tumor model of PC demonstrated a remarkable capability for encapsulated MIT to control tumor growth and improve mouse survival with a median survival rate of 65 vs. 33 days for loaded and free-MIT, respectively. Interestingly, throughout the course of mice treatment, MIT encapsulation did not present any adverse side effects as confirmed by histological analysis of various murine tissue organs and body mass weights. Our results are promising and pave the way to effective PC targeted chemotherapy using our HFt nanodelivery platforms.
Highlights
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a life-threatening disease with cases still on the rise, especially in Western countries, despite hundreds of research studies and transdisciplinary theranostic approaches
In a previous paper we demonstrated that targeting PC with H-chain Ferritin (HFt)-MP-PASE-MIT
Our previous findings demonstrated that in vitro HFt-MP-PASE-MIT nanocages are efficient in killing several cancer cell lines as efficiently as free drug form [13]
Summary
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a life-threatening disease with cases still on the rise, especially in Western countries, despite hundreds of research studies and transdisciplinary theranostic approaches. The prevalence of PC was 458,918 in 2018 with a projected trend of increase to. PC is the seventh cause of tumor mortality, but it is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer death. PC is a sneaky disease since some patients do not experience any symptoms during the initial stages of tumor growth.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
