Octreotide-modified liposomes containing daunorubicin and dihydroartemisinin for treatment of invasive breast cancer

Tumor invasion is considered a major promoter in the initiation of tumor metastasis, which is supposed to cause most cancer-related deaths. In the present study, octreotide (OCT)-modified daunorubicin plus dihydroartemisinin liposomes were developed and characterized. Evaluations were undertaken on breast cancer MDA-MB-435S cells and MDA-MB-435S xenografts nude mice. The liposomes were ∼100 nm in size with a narrow polydispersity index. <i>In vitro</i> results showed that the OCT-modified daunorubicin plus dihydroartemisinin liposomes could enhance cytotoxicity and cellular uptake by OCT-SSTRs (somatostatin receptors)-mediated active targeting, block on tumor cell wound healing and migration by incorporating dihydroartemisinin. The action mechanism might be related to regulations on E-cadherin, α5β1-integrin, TGF-β1, VEGF and MMP2/9 in breast cancer cells. <i>In vivo</i>, the liposomes displayed a prolonged circulating time, more accumulation in tumor location, and a robust overall antitumor efficacy with no obvious toxicity at the test dose in MDA-MB-435S xenograft mice. In conclusion, the OCT-modified daunorubicin plus dihydroartemisinin liposomes could prevent breast cancer invasion, hence providing a possible strategy for treatment of metastatic breast cancer.