International journal of nanomedicine
Developing a Better Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment: AlEu MOF Nanoparticles Enhance Microwave Thermal Ablation and Synergistically Activate the cGAS-STING Pathway
By Ma S, Wei Y, Ma B and 6 others.
Abstract
Purpose
To address the high recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following microwave ablation (MWA) therapy, this study develops aluminum-europium metal-organic framework (AlEu MOF) nanoparticles that enhance MWA efficacy by physically improving thermal ablation and activating cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING)-mediated antitumor immunity.
Methods
AlEu MOF nanoparticles were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized for physicochemical properties. Biocompatibility and in vitro cell-killing efficacy in combination with MWA were evaluated in Hepa1-6 cell lines. Immunostimulatory capacity was assessed by measuring activation markers of the cGAS-STING pathway. In vivo antitumor efficacy was investigated in a Hepa1-6 subcutaneous tumor-bearing mouse model, with monitoring of tumor growth, intratumoral temperature elevation, serum levels of cGAS-STING pathway downstream effectors, and treatment safety.