| abstract |
Nanoparticles and formulations for treating prostate cancer in a subject are disclosed. The nanoparticles contain a cage, such as a zeolitic imidazolate framework ("ZIF"), a surface modifying agent, a targeting ligand, and an active agent. The surface modifying ligand is attached to the outer surface of the cage and the targeting ligand is exposed to the surrounding environment. The active agent is encapsulated in the cage. The targeting ligand binds to a reproductive hormone or a receptor of a reproductive hormone. The active agents can be a ribosome inactivating protein, an apoptosis inducer, a hormone, a receptor ligand, or a nucleic acid, or a chemotherapy drug or a combination thereof, that kill and/or reduce or prevent growth or proliferation of gonadotroph cells and/or tumor cells, regulate FSH and/or LH secretion, and/or interfere with androgen production. Uses for formulations incorporating the nanoparticles for treating cancer in a subject are also disclosed. |