Magnetite nanoparticle-loaded anti-HER2 immunoliposomes for combination of antibody therapy with hyperthermia

Anti-HER2 antibody can induce antitumor responses, and can be used in delivering drugs to fIER2-overexressing cancer. Previously, we produced hyperthermia using magnetite nanoparticles that generate heat in an alternating magnetic field. In the present study, we constructed anti-HER2 immunoliposomes containing magnetite nanoparticles, which act as tumor-targeting vehicles. combining anti-HER2 antibody therapy with hyperthermia. The magnetite nanoparticle-loaded anti-HER2 immunoliposomes exerted HER2-mediated antiproliferative effects on SKBr3 breast cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, 60% of magnetite nanoparticles were incorporated into SKBr3, and the cells were then heated at 42.5 degreesC under an alternating magnetic field, resulting in strong cytotoxic effects. These results suggest that this novel therapeutic tool is applicable to treatment of HER2-overexpressing cancer. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.