PEG-IR780-C13 micelles have been
demonstrated to be a novel photothermal
agent with tumor-targeting property. This study was designed to explore
the feasibility of applying PEG-IR780-C13 micelles and near-infrared
(NIR) irradiation for thermal ablation of renal tumor by using an
in situ tumor model. In addition, the potential thermal injury to
normal renal tissue was evaluated. PEG-IR780-C13 micelles were intended
to accumulate in renal tumor after systemic delivery. In vitro results
revealed that PEG-IR780-C13 micelles were uptaken by RENCA cells mainly
through caveola-mediated endocytosis and mainly distributed in late
endosomes and lysosomes. Upon NIR irradiation, PEG-IR780-C13 micelles
generated heat effectively both in vitro and in vivo, exhibiting a
promising photothermal therapeutic property. The photothermal effect
of PEG-IR780-C13 micelles could effectively destroy RENCA cells in
vitro and adequately inhibit growth of in situ renal tumor in vivo.
Meanwhile, PEG-IR780-C13 micelles mediated photothermal therapy (PTT)
resulting in only limited injury to normal renal tissue surrounding
tumor sites. Our data indicated that PEG-IR780-C13 micelles mediating
PTT could generate tumor-specific heat for destruction of renal tumor
in a minimally invasive way, providing a novel strategy for thermal
ablation of renal tumor