Photodynamic Biomimetic Nanoparticles Accelerate Tumor Vascular Normalization Initiation

The abnormal tumor vascular networks fuel the tumor growth and aggravate the tumor hypoxia. Although vascular normalization therapy (VNT) was clinically effective, the long period before vascular normalization window (VNW) initiation presents significant prognostic challenges. Here, we developed a platelet-mimetic nano-system, IA@PM, which was self-assembled by apatinib (APA) and indocyanine green and further coated with platelet membrane (PM). IA@PM accelerates the pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors balance to significantly expedite the VNW initiation of APA from the 4th day to the 2nd day post-treatment through rationally utilizing photodynamic therapy (PDT). Benefiting from this VNW initiation acceleration, the timelier and facilitated tumor drug delivery was achieved. This process further constructs a self-amplified therapeutic cycle between VNT and PDT, contributing to the excellent antitumor effects. Collectively, IA@PM breaks key limiting factors in current VNT efficacy by accelerating VNW initiation and also significantly promotes PDT antitumor efficacy with lower doses of ICG, bringing revolutionary new strategies in VNT.