Transferrin Receptor-Targeted PEG-PLA Polymeric Micelles for Chemotherapy Against Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Background: The safe and efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents is critical to glioma therapy. However, chemotherapy for glioma is extremely challenging because the blood-brain barrier (BBB) rigorously prevents drugs from reaching the tumor region. Materials and Methods: TfR-T12 peptide-modified PEG-PLA polymer was synthesized to deliver paclitaxel (PTX) for glioma therapy. TfR was significantly expressed on brain capillary endothelial cells and glioma cells; therefore, TfR-T12 peptide-modified micelles can cross the BBB system and target glioma cells. Results: TfR-T12-PEG-PLA/PTX polymeric micelles (TfR-T12-PMs) could be absorbed rapidly by tumor cells, and traversed effectively the BBB monolayers. TfR-T12-PMs can effectively inhibit the proliferation of U87MG cells in vitro, and TfR-T12-PMs loaded with paclitaxel presented better antiglioma effect with prolonged median survival of nude mice bearing glioma than the unmodified PMs. Conclusion: The TfR-T12-PMs could effectively overcome the BBB barrier and accomplish glioma-targeted drug delivery, thus validating its potential in improving the therapeutic outcome in multiforme.