Liposomal or nanoparticle alpha-TEA reduced 66cl-4 murine mammary cancer burden and metastasis

Efficacy of alpha-TEA formulated in liposome or biodegradable poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle was evaluated in a BALB/c clone 66cl-4 mammary cancer mouse model using oral delivery. alpha-TEA-loaded liposome or nanoparticle at 5 mg, but not 2.5 mg/day, significantly reduced tumor burden (p < 0.001). Both formulations at 5 mg significantly reduced visible lung metastases and lymph node and lung micrometastatic tumor foci. Surprisingly, nanoparticle control mice exhibited significantly reduced tumor burden, lymph node, and lung micrometastatic tumor foci. Both formulations at 5 mg significantly enhanced tumor apoptosis. In summary, liposomes and nanoparticles are effective means for administering the lipophilic anticancer drug alpha-TEA.