Sanazole directed targeting of silver nanoparticle drug complex to tumor mass: A preclinical investigation in murine model

Aim of Study: To explore sanazole (AK) directed targeting of the antineoplastic drug doxorubicin (DOX) complexed with silver nanoparticles (SNs) to tumor growth in a murine model. Materials and Methods: Sanazole (AK) and DOX were complexed with SNs, individually and in combination to obtain SN-AK, SN-DOX, and SN-AK-DOX. Solid tumors were developed on hind limbs of Swiss albino mice by transplanting Daltons lymphoma ascitess (DLAs) tumor cells. Induction of cytotoxicity and apoptosis in the DLA cells by AK and DOX complexed with SN, individually and in combination, were examined under in vitro conditions by incubating the cells with them. SN, AK, DOX, SN-AK, SN-DOX, AK-DOX, and SN-AK-DOX were administered orally to the tumor bearing mice and the therapeutic efficacy of AK-directed targeting of SN-DOX complexes to achieve tumor control was monitored. Results: Under in vitro conditions, SN, AK, DOX, SN-AK, SN-DOX, AK-DOX, and SN-AK-DOX induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in DLA cells to varying extents. The SN-AK-DOX complex showed higher level of cytotoxicity and apoptosis-induction in DLA cells. Similarly, administration of SN, AK, DOX, SN-AK, SN-DOX, AK-DOX, and SN-AK-DOX resulted in significant reduction in tumor volume and delay in tumor growth. The animals treated with SN-AK-DOX had the highest reduction in tumor volume and tumor growth. In fact, the tumor was almost absent in the animals of this group after the treatment. Conclusion: The SN complex of sanazole and doxorubicin together (SN-AK-DOX) has high anticancer activity under in vivo conditions and has great potential in tumor therapy.