Self-amplifying ROS-sensitive SN38 Dimeric Prodrug nanoparticles for Combined Chemotherapy and Ferroptosis in Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy drugs are often limited by their own clinical shortcomings and serious adverse consequences. To solve these problems, we developed a self-amplifying reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive dimeric prodrug nanoparticles, namely SN38-CA@FC NPs for tumor treatment. A ROS-sensitive 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) prodrug (SN38-CA) was synthesized by a thioacetal linker between SN38 and the ROS generator cinnamaldehyde (CA). The subsequent release of SN38 inflicts DNA damage, exerting chemotherapeutic effects, while the liberated CA intensifies ferroptosis through Fenton reaction-mediated disruption of the redox balance. This dual-action strategy not only leverages chemotherapy but also induces ferroptosis, establishing a synergistic therapeutic paradigm. The system is uniquely characterized by a positive feedback loop where ROS instigates the release of SN38/CA, which in turn promotes further ROS production. In experimental evaluations, this combination therapy exhibited potent antitumor activity against both A549 and LLC cancer cell lines, as well as in xenograft LLC-bearing C57BL/6 mouse models. Collectively, our findings introduce a transformative Nano-Drug Delivery System (NDDS) that holds significant promise for advancing cancer chemotherapy and ferroptosis-based therapies.