Successful in vitro therapy of triple-negative breast cancer cells with cetuximab-encapsulated liposomes embedded in macrophage membrane

Cetuximab, known to be the principal active derivative of the key chemotherapeutic drug, exhibits significantly improved efficacy in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, issues such as restricted bioavailability, insufficient water solubility, low stability, and nonspecific cancer cell targeting impede its clinical implementation. This study involved the fabrication of Cetuximab (CX)-loaded liposomes enveloped in macrophage membranes (CX@Lipo-MM) to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy and safety in treating TNBC. CX@Lipo-MM was developed using the incubation extrusion method, integrating a liposome with the macrophage membrane (Lipo). It was defined by diameter, polydispersity index, transmission electron microscopy analysis, and zeta potential. Characterization studies indicated that CX@Lipo-MM has a spherical structure with a uniform size (130.45 ± 7.14 nm) and a drug loading efficacy of 5.63 ± 0.71%. EdU, CCK-8, and staining experiments were conducted to assess the viability and apoptotic rates of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 cells treated with CX@Lipo-MM. CX inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 cell lines. The apoptosis was confirmed by various biochemical staining assays. The efficacy of CX was enhanced when administered through CX@Lipo and CX@Lipo-MM. An in vitro cellular uptake experiment was performed to assess the internalization of CX@Lipo-MM. CX@Lipo-MM demonstrated significant and specific anticancer efficacy in TNBC. Therefore, CX@Lipo-MM emerges as a promising liposome formulation that may enhance the anticancer efficacy of Cetuximab.