Pt(IV) prodrug-backboned micelle and DCA loaded nanofibers for enhanced local cancer treatment

Drug-loaded nanocarriers, especially polymeric micelles, have attracted much attention in recent years, but their application is still limited due to their systemic toxicity and unsatisfactory tumor delivery efficiency through intravenous administration. In this study, we demonstrated an implantable prodrug micelle/small drug molecule co-loaded nanofiber strategy for enhanced local cancer treatment. A reduction-responsive Pt(IV) prodrug-backboned micelle, as a prodrug of bioactive Pt(II), and DCA were co-electrospun into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers. The prepared Pt(IV) prodrug-backboned micelle/DCA fibers exerted a synergistic effect on cancer cells. In contrast to systemic administration of chemotherapeutic agents, this implantable device exhibited enhanced anti-cancer efficacy with lower systemic toxicity against advanced cervical cancer in vivo. This work provides a facile, efficient and safe prospect of using a prodrug micelle and small molecular drug co-loaded electrospun device for localized and advanced cancer therapy.