Purpose: The feasibility of using magnetic targeted carriers (MTC) to deliver doxorubicin intravesically was studied in normal swine bladder. MTCs are microparticles consisting of metallic iron and activated carbon. Doxorubicin is adsorbed to the activated carbon component of the MTCs (MTC-DOX) while the iron component provides magnetic susceptibility. This technology is designed for site-specific delivery of a drug to a tumor in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field in order to achieve prolonged release of high localized drug concentrations by retention of MTCs in the region of interest. An intravesical route of administration was evaluated as intravesical chemotherapy is used in the treatment of bladder cancer.
Methods: The urethras of six swine were catheterized and Foley catheters were placed in their bladders. The effects of doses ranging from 10 to 80 mg doxorubicin adsorbed onto 300 to 800 mg MTCs were studied. A 30-min period of magnetic targeting immediately followed dosing, in which an external magnet was placed on the skin surface over a predetermined site on the bladder. The subsequent retention and distribution of test material was evaluated by measurement of doxorubicin levels in plasma and histopathological examination of the bladder following treatment. Blood samples were taken prior to treatment and at 15 and 30 min after infusion for measurement of doxorubicin. The bladder was drained and rinsed thoroughly following the procedure.
Results: Plasma doxorubicin concentrations were less than the assay limit of detection (10 ng/ml) during the 30 min following dosing. MTCs were found within the bladder walls, predominantly at the targeted site where they were present at greater depths within the layers of the epithelium. The study results show that MTC-DOX can be targeted and retained within specific locations in the bladder using magnetic targeting.
Conclusions: MTC delivery may allow greater exposure and specific deposition of drug at a defined site over intravesical administration of doxorubicin alone. The feasibility of this novel method of drug delivery was demonstrated and the results support further study for its potential use in treating bladder cancer.