AS1411 and EpDT3-conjugated silver nanotriangle-mediated photothermal therapy for breast cancer and cancer stem cells

Aim: This study aimed to construct AS1411 and EpDT3-conjugated PEGylated silver nanotriangles (AENTs) and assess their ability to target breast cancer and cancer stem cells, as well as the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of AENT-mediated photothermal therapy. Materials & methods: AENTs were constructed and characterized. The targeting properties, as well as antitumor and antimetastatic activities, were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, cancer stem cells and breast cancer-bearing mice. Results: AENTs displayed excellent targeting property to breast cancer cells and cancer stem cells. AENT-mediated photothermal therapy greatly inhibited (>45%) the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, as well as tumor growth and lung metastasis in the mice. Conclusion: AENT-mediated photothermal therapy might be an effective strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.