This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
Liposomes coated with poly-L-arginine (cell-penetrating peptide) and chondroitin sulfate (CD44 targeting) delivered mitomycin C to triple-negative breast tumors in mice, achieving the strongest tumor suppression with a Ki-67 index of just 6%.
Why it matters
Triple-negative breast cancer has few treatment options. Combining a tumor-targeting molecule with a cell-penetrating peptide on drug-carrying nanoparticles could improve chemotherapy delivery while reducing side effects.
The numbers in context
PLA-CS liposomes: 144 nm, 73% encapsulation; Ki-67 index 6% (vs higher in controls); caspase-3 upregulated 13-64 fold; G1 cell cycle arrest; no liver/kidney metastasis; sustained MMC release over 24h
How the study worked
Liposome synthesis and characterization (size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation). In vitro: MTT cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, apoptosis, cell cycle, qRT-PCR for caspases in 4T1 cells. In vivo: orthotopic 4T1 tumors in BALB/c mice.
Who was studied
4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells (in vitro) and tumor-bearing BALB/c mice (in vivo)
What this study cannot tell us
Mouse tumor model. Single tumor type (4T1). PLA-CS vs CS-PLA order matters for efficacy, adding manufacturing complexity. Long-term safety not assessed.
Read the original research
The impact of the conjugation manner of targeting agent and tandem cell-penetrating peptide on the efficacy of mitomycin C liposomes in treating triple-negative breast tumors.
International journal of pharmaceutics: X, 10, 100457
Citation
Salahi, Mehrnaz; Varshosaz, Jaleh; Rostami, Mahboubeh; Esfahani, Salar Nasr; Hekmat, Arsham; Jahanian-Najafaabadi, Ali; Minayian, Mohsen. (2025). The impact of the conjugation manner of targeting agent and tandem cell-penetrating peptide on the efficacy of mitomycin C liposomes in treating triple-negative breast tumors.. International journal of pharmaceutics: X, 10, 100457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpx.2025.100457