A Liposome Encapsulated Ruthenium Polypyridine Complex as a Theranostic Platform for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Ruthenium coordination complexes have the potential to serve as novel therariostic :agents for cancer. However, a-major limitation in their clinical implementation is effective tumor accumulation. In this study, we have developed a liposome-based theranostic nanodelivery system for [Ru(phen)(2)dppz] (ClO4)(2) (Lipo-Ru). This ruthenium polypyridine complet emits a strong fluorescent-Signal when incorporated in the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of the delivery vehicle, or in the DNA helix, enabling visualization of the therapeutic agent in tumor tissues. Incubation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with Lipo-Ru induced double-strand DNA breaks and triggers apoptosis. In a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, treatment with Lipo-Ru dramatically reduced tumor growth. Biodistribution studies of Lipo-Ru revealed that snore than 20% of the injected dose accumulated in the tumor. These results suggest that Lipo-Ru could serve as a, promising theranostic platform for cancer.