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Treatment of xenografted ovarian carcinoma using paclitaxel-loaded ultrasound microbubbles
Wu Xing1, Wang Z Gang, Zhang Yong
1Institute of Ultrasound Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Lin Jiang Road No 76, Chongqing, China.
Rationale And Objectives:
The aim of this study was to explore the antitumor effects on mice xenografted ovarian carcinoma using the technique of ultrasound-mediated drug release from paclitaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles (PLMs).
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-five ovarian cancer-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into five groups of five mice each. Each group received a unique kind of treatment once a day. These treatments were PLMs combined with ultrasound, intravenous paclitaxel administration, non-drug-loaded microbubbles combined with ultrasound, intravenous PLM administration, and normal saline administration (the control group). After 7 days of consecutive treatment, all mice were sacrificed, and their tumors were harvested to measure volumes and weights. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated by weight. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p53 in tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining.
Results:
Mean tumor volume and weight were the lowest in the first group (PLMs combined with ultrasound), so this group's tumor inhibition rate was the highest (P < .05). On immunohistology, VEGF and p53 expression levels were lowest (P < .05) in the first group.
Conclusion:
Ultrasound irradiation mediates PLM destruction so that the drug is released from the vehicles at the same time. It helps achieve targeted chemotherapy in tumor tissues. This technique has potential to be adopted as a novel tool for ovarian cancer chemotherapy.
Insights
Ultrasound-mediated drug release from paclitaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles (PLMs) significantly reduced ovarian cancer tumor growth in mice. This targeted chemotherapy approach showed promising results for treating ovarian carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Ovarian carcinoma remains a significant health challenge.
- Targeted drug delivery aims to improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumor effects of ultrasound-mediated drug release from paclitaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles (PLMs) in a mouse model of ovarian carcinoma.
- To assess the impact of this targeted approach on tumor volume, weight, and key protein expressions.
Main Methods:
- Nude mice bearing ovarian tumors were divided into five treatment groups.
- Treatments included PLMs with ultrasound, intravenous paclitaxel, microbubbles with ultrasound, intravenous PLMs, and saline.
- Tumor measurements and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF and p53 were performed after 7 days.
Main Results:
- The group receiving PLMs combined with ultrasound exhibited the lowest mean tumor volume and weight.
- This group also demonstrated the highest tumor inhibition rate and lowest expression of VEGF and p53.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (P < .05) in these outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound irradiation effectively mediates PLM destruction, enabling localized drug release at the tumor site.
- This targeted chemotherapy strategy shows potential for enhanced ovarian cancer treatment.
- The technique offers a novel approach for ovarian carcinoma chemotherapy.
