Blocking signaling by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can effectively inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, an increasing number of NSCLC patients have treatment limitations caused by EGFR overexpression or mutations. Therefore, we constructed a nanotherapy platform consisting of cetuximab (CTX) to target EGFR-sensitive NSCLC with an iron tetroxide core loading the sound-sensitive agent IR780 for dual-mode imaging diagnosis by combining targeting and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) to reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), enhance the SDT antitumor effects and improve the therapeutic effects of EGFR sensitivity.
IR780@INPs were prepared by reverse rotary evaporation, CTX was adsorbed/coupled to obtain IR780@INPs-CTX, and the morphology and structure were characterized. Intracellular ROS levels and cell apoptosis first verified its killing effects against tumor cells. Then, a nude mouse lung cancer subcutaneous xenograft model was established with HCC827 cells. A real-time fluorescence IVIS imaging system determined the targeting and live distribution of IR780@INPs-CTX in the transplanted tumors and the imaging effects of the T2 sequence of the INPs by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 0 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after administration to confirm drug efficacy.
The combination of CTX and SDT is expected to become a novel treatment for EGFR-sensitive NSCLC.