CD133-targeted afatinib nanomicelles for enhanced lung cancer theranostics

To develop a novel nanomicelle system to target and eradicate CD133-expressing lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) while imaging lung cancer. Averatinib nanomicelles with CD133 aptamers incorporated with gadolinium imaging reagents (M-Afa&Gd-CD133) were synthesized. The anticancer and imaging activities of M-Afa&Gd-CD133 were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. M-Afa&Gd-CD133 efficiently targeted CD133⁺ lung CSCs and showed significant antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, M-Afa&Gd-CD33, as a T1 contrast agent, offers superior and sustained visualization of tumors over an extended period. M-Afa&Gd-CD133 represents a promising strategy for the theranostics of lung cancer.