Disrupting redox homeostasis for tumor therapy based on PDT/chemo/ferroptosis therapeutic hybrid liposomes

Abstract

Synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT) with other therapeutic modalities can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of tumor treatment and reduce the adverse effects associated with drug leakage and off-target accumulation. However, shaping combined strategies for synergistic therapy remains challenging. Herein, we developed versatile hybrid liposomes self-assembled from Ce6–lipid conjugates and loaded with the chemo drug doxorubicin (DOX) and ferroptosis inducer Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for synergistic PDT/chemo/ferroptosis therapy. Abundant ROS are generated by PDT upon 650 nm light irradiation, Fe₃O₄-mediated Fenton reaction, and DOX-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, amplifying oxidative stress in cancer cells to disrupt cellular redox homeostasis could accelerate tumor cell death through oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Overall, this work highlights liposome-based therapeutic nanoformulations, thus offering a breakthrough redox homeostasis-based synergistic PDT/chemo/ferroptosis therapy for lung cancer.