Alexis Peterson, “Cancer Studies: Enhanced Activation of ROS-Responsive Prodrugs via Prooxidant ROS Generation”
Mentor: Xiaohua Peng, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Poster #148

Xiaohua Peng’s lab has reported a potent Phenylboronic acid nitrogen mustard containing reactive oxygen species (ROS) activated prodrug, FAN-NM-CH₃. This drug selectively targets cell lines with higher endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels. Due to heterogeneity of cancers and development of resilience against single agent therapies though, these traditional treatments are generally ineffective at producing desired outcomes. Combination therapies have shown greater efficacy in animal models, yet most fail due to adverse effects. A deeper exploration of combinatorial agents with enhanced efficacy of anti-cancer agents and lower risk of negative effects is essential. Prooxidants have long been investigated for their anti-cancer properties on an individual basis, however various researchers have claimed that these can selectively deliver H₂O₂ to sites of cancer. Integration of insights from these studies, alongside combination of prooxidants with the FAN-NM-CH₃ prodrug has exhibited enhanced toxicity towards TNBC, MCF-7 and U-87 MG cancer cell lines, while sparing MCF10A normal cells. A notable reduction in viability of cancer cells as opposed to with FAN-NM-CH₃ treatment alone has been achieved by the synergistic therapy. This discovery establishes a promising strategy that allows for lower drug dosage while maintaining selectivity and efficacy, paving the way for improved cancer treatment methods and further research.