Dual-Triggered Peptide-Based Polymeric Micelles Enhance Doxorubicin Delivery for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Malignant tumors present a grave risk to human health and remain a major cause of death. Chemotherapy is currently the most prevalent and widely used method for cancer treatment; doxorubicin (DOX), in particular, has gained substantial attention and is extensively researched and employed as a primary chemotherapy medication for various types of cancers. However, the utilization of DOX is connected with significant adverse reactions, including cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression, which restrict its effectiveness in antitumor treatment. To tackle these challenges, drug delivery systems (DDS) have been developed, among which polymeric micelles have emerged as a promising option. In this study, we designed and created polymeric micelles with a dual-responsive mechanism that effectively targets extracellular and intracellular enzymes in tumor; the primary objective of this approach is to augment the therapeutic efficacy of DOX while simultaneously mitigating its potential side effects. The micelles were characterized with stability, morphological distribution, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and antitumor efficacy, providing valuable insights into their immense potential as a smart and effective drug delivery system for cancer therapy.