PH Sensitive Nano Layered Double Hydroxides Reduce the Hematotoxicity and Enhance the Anticancer Efficacy of Etoposide on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The study investigated the use of pH-sensitive layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as a nano-carrier for etoposide (VP16) to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LDH-VP16 demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy by inducing apoptosis in A549 cells and significantly reducing tumor growth by 60.5% in vivo, compared to no significant effect from plain VP16. The nano-carrier reduced liver toxicity and hematotoxicity, improved bioavailability, and targeted the drug to tumors and lungs. The study revealed that LDH-VP16 suppressed the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway, unlike VP16, which involved the ERBB pathway. This approach provided a novel system for safer and more effective etoposide delivery in NSCLC treatment.