Cancer therapy: development of novel tumor-targeted theranostic nanoparticles activated by membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases for combined cancer magnetic resonance imaging and therapy (small 3/2014). Small Ansari, C., Tikhomirov, G. A., Hong, S. H., Falconer, R. A., Loadman, P. M., Gill, J. H., Castaneda, R., Hazard, F. K., Tong, L., Lenkov, O. D., Felsher, D. W., Rao, J., Daldrup-Link, H. E. 2014; 10 (3): 417-?

Abstract

Cancer cells overexpress matrix-type metalloproteinases (MMPs, shown as pacmen). MMPs cleave the peptide linker connecting anticancer prodrug to the dextran coated magnetic nanoparticle. After the cleavage, the drug becomes toxic (active drug shown in purple). As J. Rao, H. E. Daldrup-Link, and co-workers describe on page 566, this tumor specific drug release reduces the side-effects of cancer therapy. The magnetic core of the nanoparticles allows for MRI monitoring of their distribution in the body.

View details for DOI 10.1002/smll.201470016

View details for PubMedID 24497471