Preparation of camptothecin-loaded PCEC microspheres for the treatment of colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis and tumor growth in mice

Cancer Lett. 2011 Dec 22;312(2):189-96. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.08.007. Epub 2011 Aug 31.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare PCL-PEG-PCL (PCEC) microspheres to protect camptothecin from hydrolysis, to extend its release time and to enhance its treatment efficacy on colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis and tumor growth in mice. Camptothecin (CPT)-loaded PCL-PEG-PCL (PCEC) microspheres were prepared by oil-in-water emulsion solvent evaporation method. The particle size, morphological characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release studies and in vitro cytotoxicity of CPT-loaded PCEC microspheres have been investigated. In vivo studies were carried out on Balb/c male mice bearing colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis. CPT-loaded PCEC microspheres were applied to abdominal cavity of mice once a week. Free CPT was used as a positive control. On 14th day of treatment, mice were sacrificed and antitumor activities of CPT-loaded PCEC microspheres were evaluated. Compared with control group, a significant decrease in the number of tumor nodes was observed in group treated with CPT-loaded PCEC microspheres. Immunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissues with CD34 revealed that MVD positive cells were significantly reduced in CPT-loaded PCEC microspheres treated group in contrast to other groups (P<0.05). The CPT-loaded PCEC microspheres were considered potentially useful to treat the abdominal metastases of colon carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Camptothecin / administration & dosage
  • Camptothecin / pharmacology
  • Camptothecin / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Division / drug effects*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Drug Carriers
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microspheres*
  • Particle Size
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Polymers / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Drug Carriers
  • Polymers
  • Camptothecin