A strategy for combating melanoma with oncogenic c-Myc inhibitors and targeted nanotherapy

Aims: The activity of the transcription factor c-Myc is dependent upon heterodimerization with Max to control target gene transcription. Small-molecule inhibitors of c-Myc-Max have exhibited low potency and poor water solubility and are therefore unsuitable for in vivo application. We hypothesized that a nanomedicine approach incorporating a cryptic c-Myc inhibitor prodrug could be delivered and enzymatically released in order to effectively inhibit melanoma. Materials & methods: An Sn-2 lipase-labile Myc inhibitor prodrug was synthesized and included in two α_vβ₃-targeted nanoparticle platforms (20 and 200 nm). The inherent antiproliferate potency was compared with the lipid-free compound using human and mouse melanoma cell lines. Results & conclusion: These data demonstrate for the first time a successful nanodelivery of c-Myc inhibitors and their potential use to prevent melanoma.