Hypoxia-Directed and Self-Immolative Theranostic Agent: Imaging and Treatment of Cancer and Bacterial Infections

J Med Chem. 2023 Oct 26;66(20):14175-14187. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01274. Epub 2023 Oct 12.

Abstract

The impact of bacteria on cancer progression and treatment is becoming increasingly recognized. Cancer-associated bacteria are linked to metastases, reduced efficacy, and survival challenges. In this study, we present a sensitive hypoxia-activated prodrug, NR-NO2, which comprises an antibiotic combined with a chemotherapeutic. This prodrug demonstrates rapid and robust fluorescence enhancement and exhibits potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as tumor cells. Upon activation, NR-NO2 produces a distinct "fluorescence-on" signal, enabling real-time drug release monitoring. By leveraging elevated nitroreductase in cancer cells, NR-NO2 gives rise to heightened bacterial cytotoxicity while sparing normal cells. In A549 solid tumor-bearing mice, NR-NO2 selectively accumulated at tumor sites, displaying fluorescence signals under hypoxia superior to those of a corresponding prodrug-like control. These findings highlight the potential of NR-NO2 as a promising cancer therapy prodrug that benefits from targeted release, antibacterial impact, and imaging-based guidance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria
  • Hypoxia / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypoxia / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Nitrogen Dioxide / therapeutic use
  • Precision Medicine
  • Prodrugs* / pharmacology
  • Prodrugs* / therapeutic use
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods

Substances

  • Prodrugs
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Nitrogen Dioxide