AS1411 and EpDT3-conjugated silver nanotriangle-mediated photothermal therapy for breast cancer and cancer stem cells

Aim: This study aimed to construct AS1411 and EpDT3-conjugated PEGylated silver nanotriangles (AENTs) and assess their ability to target breast cancer and cancer stem cells, as well as the anti tumor and anti metastatic effects of AENTs-mediated photothermal therapy. Materials & methods: AENTs were constructed and characterized. The targeting properties, as well as anti tumor and anti metastatic activities, were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, cancer stem cells and breast cancer-bearing mice. Results: AENTs displayed excellent targeting property to breast cancer cells and cancer stem cells. AENTs-mediated photothermal therapy greatly inhibited (>45%) the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, as well as tumor growth and lung metastasis in the mice. Conclusion: AENTs-mediated photothermal therapy might be an effective strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated that AENTs specifically targeted breast cancer cells and cancer stem cells, and the photothermal therapy mediated by AENTs effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis.