Styrene maleic acid copolymer-pirarubicin induces tumor-selective oxidative stress and decreases tumor hypoxia as possible treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases

Abstract

Background: Pirarubicin, a derivative of doxorubicin, induces tumor destruction via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) but is associated with cardiotoxicity. As a macromolecule (conjugated to styrene-maleic acid [SMA]), SMA-pirarubicin is selective to tumors resulting in improved survival with decreased systemic toxicity. Tumor destruction is, however incomplete, and resistant cells at the periphery of the tumor contribute to recurrence. Tumor hypoxia is a major factor in tumor resistance. Understanding the effect of oxidative stress induced by SMA-pirarubicin on the tumor microenvironment may be key to overcoming resistance. This study investigated the pattern of ROS production..