Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Based Material for Tumor Heterogeneity MR Visualization and Precise Treatment

ABSTRACT Malignant tumors whose mortality rates up to 97% possess high heterogeneity that leads to rapid growth, strong invasive capability, and low drug sensitivity. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging enables direct visualization of tumors. However, gadolinium‐based contrast agents used in clinical practice have significant drawbacks of short half‐life, non‐specificity, and toxicity after gadolinium ions leakage. Herein, this study constructs a nanomaterial termed FFDP that utilizes octa (3‐mercaptopropyl) silsesquioxane (POSS‐SH) as functional bridge where the double‐bonded folate, double‐bonded doxorubicin, iron (II, III) oxide, and black phosphorus are grafted by chemical and metallic bonds through “click chemistry” approach. The FFDP being administered intravenously, enables real‐time targeted enrichment of MR contrast that corresponding to the tumor heterogeneity and allow for precise tumor treatment at the site of in‐situ triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Moreover, FFDP can deliver the anti‐tumor drug into the deep tumor tissue. In an animal model of in‐situ TNBC, efficient tumor ablation can be performed under FFDP enhanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. In conclusion, the FFDP nanomaterial designed in this study achieves real‐time spatial tumor heterogeneity observation and precision tumor treatment. In clinical practice, POSS‐based nanomaterials possess immense potential for MRI‐guided individualized precision treatment for tumors.