EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, cilt.162, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study the chemotherapeutic agent Pirarubicin (PRB) which is known for its serious side effects was actively targeted to the breast cancer cells by uploading it to the biocompatible and biodegradable Sterically Stabilized Micelles (SSMs) made of 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphoethanolamine-N-methoxy-polyethylene glycol 2000 (DSPE-PEG(2000)) to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), the receptors of which are overexpressed on the breast cancer cells, was grafted on the surface of the micelles. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on active targeting of PRB to tumor site.