Novel concept of the smart NIR-light–controlled drug release of black phosphorus nanostructure for cancer therapy

TLDR

Precision delivery of cancer drugs to the tumor site is crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects, yet current drug delivery systems remain an unmet clinical need for cancer therapy. The authors propose a unique concept of using external light to control drug delivery in cancer tissues and believe the system can effectively treat most cancer types. The authors propose using external light to trigger drug release in cancer tissues. In preclinical models, near‑infrared light‑induced decomposition of black phosphorus hydrogel accurately releases drugs in tumor tissues, eradicating subcutaneous breast and melanoma cancers without adverse effects, and the authors anticipate this could shift clinical cancer treatment and benefit millions of patients.

Abstract

Significance Precision delivery of cancer drugs to tumor site is crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. Despite tremendous efforts, current drug delivery systems remain an unmet clinical need for cancer therapy. Herein, we propose a unique concept of applying external light to control drug delivery in cancer tissues. In preclinical cancer models, we demonstrate that the near-infrared light-induced decomposition of black phosphorus hydrogel accurately releases drugs in tumor tissues to eradicate subcutaneous breast and melanoma cancers without causing any adverse effects. We believe that our therapeutic system can be used for effective treatment of most cancer types. Our findings may likely bring about a paradigm shift in clinical treatment of cancer and millions of cancer patients will benefit from our findings.