Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, cilt.122, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a highly aggressive subtype lacking effective targeted therapies, where Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used despite its severe systemic toxicity. Natural flavonoids such as quercetin exhibit chemo-sensitizing potential, yet their therapeutic application is limited by poor bioavailability and non-selective cytotoxicity. Therefore, developing delivery systems that enhance chemotherapy efficacy while minimizing toxicity to healthy cells remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of liposomal quercetin (LipoQ) particles in combination with DOX for treating TNBC. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of liposomal quercetin (LipoQ) particles in combination with Doxorubicin (DOX) for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The results demonstrate that LipoQ particles alone have limited cytotoxic against cancer cells. However, their co-administration with DOX significantly enhances therapeutic outcomes, reducing cell viability and inhibiting colony formation in cancer cells. Combination index analysis confirmed a strong synergistic effect in TNBC cells, while in healthy MEF cells, an antagonistic interaction was observed, suggesting that LipoQ selectively enhances DOX's efficacy in cancer cells while mitigating its toxicity in normal tissues. Additionally, LipoQ particles exhibited remarkable stability for 90 days, maintaining both size and zeta potential within optimal ranges, ensuring consistency in therapeutic applications. The combination of LipoQ and DOX also modulates apoptosis, with intermediate concentrations of LipoQ enhancing DOX-induced cell death, whereas higher concentrations suppress apoptosis due to the protective effects of lecithin and quercetin. This complex interaction underscores the importance of balancing the pro-apoptotic and pro-survival effects of LipoQ's components. These findings suggest that LipoQ could be a valuable adjuvant in cancer therapy, improving chemotherapy efficacy and reducing side effects. Its ability to enhance synergistic effects in cancer cells while reducing toxicity in healthy cells makes it a promising candidate for combination therapies. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying LipoQ's effects, conducting in vivo studies, and exploring its use with other therapies for optimal cancer treatment.