Local application of doxorubicin- loaded Iron oxid nanoparticles and the vascular disrupting agent via the hepatic artery: chemoembolization–photothermal ablation treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Abstract Objectives This study investigates the effectiveness of local application of doxorubicin(Dox)-loaded, polydopamine (PDA)- coated single crystal hematite (α- Fe2O3) nanocubes (Fe2O3-PDA-Dox) and combretastatin A-4 phosphate disodium(CA4P)in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Methods The magnetic characteristics and photothermal effects of the nanoparticles were determined in vitro. Tumor-bearing Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups of 8 according to treatment: controls, transarterial chemoembolization–photothermal ablation (pTACE) (Lipidol+Fe2O3-PDA-Dox + NIR), and CA4P + pTACE (CA4P+ Lipidol+Fe2O3-PDA-Dox + NIR). Drugs were administered through the hepatic artery, and the tumors exposed to 808-nm near-infrared radiation. The Fe content of tumors was assessed using neutron activation analysis. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using heating curves, magnetic resonance imaging, pathology results, and immunohistochemical analysis. Results The mean tumor Fe content was greater in rats treated with CA4P + pTACE (1 h, 23.72 ± 12.45 μg/g; 24 h, 14.61 ± 8.23 μg/g) than in those treated with pTACE alone (1 h, 5.66 ± 4.29 μg/g; 24 h, 2.76 ± 1.33 μg/g). The tumor T2 imaging signal was lower in rats treated with CA4P + pTACE. Following laser irradiation, the tumor temperature increased, with higher temperatures reached in the CA4P + pTACE group (62 °C vs 55 °C). Tumor cells exhibited necrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation inhibition, with greater effects in the CA4P + pTACE group. Transient liver and kidney toxicity were observed on day 3, with more severe effects after CA4P + pTACE. Conclusions Fe2O3-PDA-Dox nanoparticles are effective for TACE–PTA. Pretreatment with CA4P increases nanoparticle uptake by tumors, increasing the treatment effectiveness without increasing hepatorenal toxicity.