Multifunctional paclitaxel/superparamagnetic iron oxide-loaded PLGA-based nanoparticles for cancer therapy and magnetic resonance imaging

Theranostic nanoparticles (NP) have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and therapy. We aimed to develop dual paclitaxel/SPIO-loaded PLGA-based NP for cancer therapy and magnetic resonnance imaging. In the first part we prepared and characterized these mutfifunctionnal nanoparticles. We demonstrated their in vitro efficacy as T2 contrast agent, their significant cellular uptake by CT26 cells and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. In the second part, we compared different targeting strategies in vivo: passive, active targeting (AT) of αvβ3 integrin, magnetic targeting (MT) and the combination of the two latest. Using Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), we demonstrated that the combination of AT and MT drastically enhanced nanoparticle accumulation into the tumor tissue, contrast in MRI and anti-cancer efficacy. Double targeting of nanoparticles to tumors could be a promising approach for therapeutic treatment and personalized therapy.(SP - Sciences de la santé publique) -- UCL, 201