[Chitin/cisplatin--an adhesive anticancer drug].

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Context:

• Malignant pleural effusion and ascites pose significant challenges in cancer therapy.
• Current treatments often lack targeted delivery, leading to systemic side effects.
• Developing localized drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose:

• To develop and characterize a novel adhesive anticancer drug delivery system utilizing deacetyalated chitin (DAC-70) and cisplatin (CDDP).
• To evaluate the tissue-adhesive properties, drug release kinetics, and in vivo performance of the CDDP-loaded DAC system.
• To assess the potential of the system for loco-regional chemotherapy in conditions like malignant pleural effusion and ascites.

Summary:

• Two DAC-70 based drug carriers, a viscous solution and lyophilized granules, were prepared and loaded with cisplatin (CDDP).
• Both formulations exhibited enhanced tissue adhesion at body temperature (37°C) compared to room temperature (25°C).
• The DAC-CDDP viscous solution demonstrated controlled release with minimal free cisplatin, while granules showed rapid release. In vivo studies in rats confirmed localized retention in the peritoneal cavity and potential for pleurodesis.

Impact:

• The developed DAC-CDDP system shows promise for localized chemotherapy, potentially improving treatment for malignant effusions and ascites.
• Sustained local drug delivery can minimize systemic toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapy.
• This adhesive drug delivery platform offers a new strategy for targeted cancer treatment, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.