Thermosensitive Hydrogel Loaded with α-Mangostin for Enhanced Antitumor Effect of Doxorubicin

The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor stroma present substantial barriers to drug penetration, resulting in tumor resistance and progression. One promising strategy is to reprogram CAFs into a quiescent state, which necessitates novel approaches. Our study introduces a sequential treatment strategy using chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with α-Mangostin (α-M), a small molecule drug with antifibrotic properties, aimed at reprogramming CAFs within the breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME). We developed glutathione (GSH)-responsive nanoparticles (NPc) that carry the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Treatment with α-M results in the downregulation of CAF-specific biomarkers and a remodeled TME, which improves the penetration of NPc/DOX deep into the tumor tissue. This strategy holds great promise in enhancing cancer therapeutic outcomes in tumors rich in CAFs, particularly in the case of breast cancer.