The present invention relates to a nucleic acid-based assembly comprising: at least one nucleic acid aptamer, and at least one nucleic acid motif designed to physically capture a drug, wherein the nucleic acid motif comprises one or more photo-responsive moieties that effect the release of the drug upon irradiation, wherein the aptamer and the nucleic acid motif each are covalently linked to one or more lipids, wherein the lipid-modified aptamer and nucleic acid motif form the assembly through noncovalent interaction. The invention further relates to use of the nucleic acid-based assembly in the treatment of cancer.
