Photosensitive smart hydrogel loaded Neratinib for NIR-triggered photodynamic treatment for improved chemotherapy in breast cancers: In vitro and In vivo analysis.

Breast cancer (BC), the most common malignancy in women, is increasing in prevalence, and most treatment modalities frequently involve considerable adverse consequences. The research intends to synthesize a hydrogel incorporating MHBC, PIPAM, AZO, and NB. The hydrogel was synthesized using the radical polymerization process. The AZO group rendered the hydrogel photodynamically effective. The hydrogel demonstrated robust near-infrared (NIR) activated and prolonged drug delivery efficacy. In vitro assays on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells indicated that M/PP/A/NB significantly decreased cell viability, especially with NIR activation. It also diminished AO/EB staining, ROS levels, and DAPI signals. NB inhibits phosphorylation of HER2 and EGFR by targeting ATP-binding sites in tyrosine kinase domains, interrupting MAPK signaling and triggering cell death, as shown by RT-PCR. The in vivo investigation in a mouse model demonstrated the efficacy of hydrogel in treating BC, demonstrated by a decrease in tumor volume. The hydrogel addresses the BC without impacting any organs. Research will strengthen the hydrogel's responsiveness to NIR light, stability, biodegradability, and cancer-type alteration.