Efficacy of polyMPC-DOX prodrugs in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice

Mol Pharm. 2014 May 5;11(5):1715-20. doi: 10.1021/mp500009r. Epub 2014 Apr 21.

Abstract

We report the in vivo efficacy, in tumor-bearing mice, of cancer prodrugs consisting of poly(methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (polyMPC) conjugated to doxorubicin (DOX). Our synthesis of polyMPC-DOX conjugates established prodrugs with tunable drug loading, pH sensitive release kinetics, and a maximum tolerated dose in the range of 30-50 mg/kg (DOX equivalent) in healthy mice. Here we show prolonged circulation of polyMPC-DOX, with a measured in vivo half-life (t1/2) 8 times greater than that of the free drug. We observed reduced drug uptake in healthy tissue, and 2-3 times enhanced drug accumulation in tumors for polyMPC-DOX prodrugs compared to free DOX, using BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 tumors. Prolonged survival and reduced tumor growth were observed in mice receiving the polyMPC-DOX prodrug treatment. Moreover, we evaluated immunogenicity of polyMPC-DOX prodrugs by examining complete blood count (CBC) and characteristic cytokine responses, demonstrating no apparent innate or adaptive immune system response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Doxorubicin / chemistry*
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Prodrugs / chemistry*
  • Prodrugs / therapeutic use*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Polymers
  • Prodrugs
  • Doxorubicin