Ocean University of China Researchers Update Knowledge of Liver Cancer (Novel dual CAFs and tumour cell targeting pH and ROS dual sensitive micelles for targeting delivery of paclitaxel to liver cancer).

A new report from researchers at Ocean University of China discusses the development of a dual-targeting, pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensitive nano-drug delivery system for liver cancer. The researchers aimed to address the shortcomings of current tumor therapy by targeting both the tumor cells and the surrounding tumor stromal microenvironment. The system utilizes hyaluronic acid (HA) with CD44 receptor targeting on the surface of tumor cells and a dipeptide Z-glycine-proline (ZGP) with specific targeting of fibroblast activating protein (FAP) on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). By introducing thioketone bond and ketone condensation bond, the system takes advantage of the highly reactive ROS and low pH microenvironment at the tumor site to achieve drug release and aggregation, improving the bioavailability of the drug. This research provides a potential strategy for targeted drug delivery in liver cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]