To synergistically treat
glioma with a
combination chemotherapy, we design and prepare novel cascade-targeted
liposomes (Lip-
TPGS) using
glucose and
triphenylphosphonium (TPP) as targeting moieties, which could intelligently deliver redox-sensitive
doxorubicin (DOX)
prodrugs (SDOX) and chemotherapeutic sensitizer
lonidamine (LND). The pH-responsive
ligand Chol-TPG modified by PEGylated
glucose can overcome the blood-brain barrier and reach
tumor cells. Combined with the modification of mitochondria targeting
ligand (Chol-TPP), Lip-
TPGS are endowed with pH-responsive charge regulation function and multi-stage targeting abilities. After triggered by the excessive
glutathione in
tumor cells, Lip-
TPGS could sufficiently release the parent drugs DOX, which would significantly reduce side effects without compromising anti-
glioma efficacy. Therefore, Lip-
TPGS possess these characteristics: good pharmacokinetic behavior, superior brain targeting ability, specific
tumor recognition and internalization capability, and strong endo/lysosome escaping and mitochondria targeting potential. Furthermore, Lip-
TPGS exhibit significant advantages on anti-
glioma by inhibiting proliferation, promoting apoptosis, inducing
mitochondria dysfunction, inhibiting migration and invasion, prolonging the survival time, narrowing
tumor areas, limiting lung
metastasis, and reducing toxicity to normal organs. In summary, Lip-
TPGS, with cascade targeting abilities from tissue/cell to organelle levels and highly controlled drug release properties, would become a promising drug delivery system for
glioma treatment.