Local delivery of doxorubicin for malignant glioma by a biodegradable PLGA polymer sheet

Implantable, biocompatible and biodegradable devices bearing an anticancer drug can provide promising local therapy to patients with malignant disorders. With the aim of treating brain tumors, especially gliomas, a membranous sheet containing doxorubicin was produced by co-polymerization to poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). When release of the drug from the sheet was measured, sustained release continued until day 34. The data contrasted with the burst release from material containing a higher proportion of the drug. In terms of biodegradability, a subcutaneous 3 x 3-mm tetragonal sheet was almost completely absorbed by day 80. When a glioma was implanted subcutaneously and the tumor nodule exposed to the sheet, the device inhibited tumor growth significantly. The sheet consisted of an amorphous structure with cavities estimated to have a diameter of 0.5 - 3 microm by electron microscopic observation. Since the sheet is implantable, biodegradable and has a sustained-drug release property, the device may play a role in the local therapy of brain tumors.