Multi‐Stimuli Nanocomposite Therapeutic: Docetaxel Targeted Delivery and Synergies in Treatment of Human Breast Cancer Tumor

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>A versatile breast cancer‐targeting nanocomposite therapeutic combining docetaxel (DXL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) network for controlled release, and silica‐protected magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe<jats:sub>3</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>NPs) for targeted delivery and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) is presented in this work. First, the designed nanocomposite is magnetically directed for cancer‐targeted therapy confirmed by computerized tomography (CT) scans. Second, 10% DXL by mass is loaded into PVA, a pH and temperature responsive gel, for controlled release. Third, PPTT is confirmed with Au/Fe<jats:sub>3</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>/PVA‐10%DXL using a prototype circulation system and then for tumor treatment in vivo; Au/Fe<jats:sub>3</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>/PVA‐10%DXL is conveniently directed and the entrapped DXL is selectively released (≈96%) via the interaction of green and near‐infrared (NIR) light with the localized surface plasmon resonance of AuNPs. A 75% cell death is reported from in vitro studies with DXL doses as low as 20 µg mL<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>of Au/Fe<jats:sub>3</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>/PVA‐10%DXL, and a 70% tumor growth inhibition is demonstrated by in vivo experiments with the biosafety studies confirming minimal side effects to other organs. Overall, the developed Au/Fe<jats:sub>3</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>/PVA‐10%DXL has a strong potential to simultaneously enhance CT imaging contrast together with the targeted delivery of DXL.</jats:p>