Related Experiment Videos
Treatment of malignant pleural effusions with doxorubicin hydrochloride-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres
Abstract:
For the treatment of malignant pleural effusions, we prepared doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin)-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres (ADR-MS). In vitro, 50 percent and 100 percent release times of ADR from ADR-MS were 6.3 and 20 days, respectively. After intrapleural administration of ADR-MS for seven patients at an ADR dose of 40 mg, ADR was detected in the effusions for more than two weeks; however, ADR concentrations in serum were very small, consistent with minimal transpleural absorption of ADR. These results indicated the slow release of ADR into the pleural cavity. Furthermore, the amount of drained ADR was less than a few percent of the administered dose. In some cases, malignant cells in the effusion disappeared after the treatment. No complications related to the procedure occurred, and the patients developed no systemic symptoms. One patient died after four months, and the other six patients are alive after 21 to 31 months without reaccumulation of the effusion. The local administration of ADR-MS produces a localized high and systemic low concentration of ADR, which could potentially improve the patient's quality of life.
Insights
Doxorubicin hydrochloride microspheres offer sustained local drug delivery for malignant pleural effusions. This localized treatment minimizes systemic absorption, potentially improving patient quality of life with promising long-term results.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions are a common complication of cancer, often leading to debilitating symptoms.
- Current treatments for malignant pleural effusions have limitations, including systemic toxicity and limited efficacy.
Observation:
- Poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin-MS) were prepared for intrapleural administration.
- In vitro studies showed sustained release of doxorubicin from microspheres over 20 days.
- In seven patients, intrapleural Adriamycin-MS resulted in detectable drug levels in pleural effusions for over two weeks with minimal serum concentrations.
Findings:
- Intrapleural administration of Adriamycin-MS demonstrated slow, localized release of doxorubicin into the pleural cavity.
- Systemic absorption of doxorubicin was minimal, with less than a few percent of the dose recovered from drained fluid.
- Malignant cells in effusions were eradicated in some cases, and no procedure-related complications or systemic symptoms were observed.
Implications:
- Localized delivery of doxorubicin via microspheres achieves high concentrations at the tumor site and low systemic exposure.
- This approach shows potential for improving the quality of life for cancer patients with malignant pleural effusions.
- Long-term follow-up showed sustained remission in most patients, suggesting the efficacy of this localized treatment strategy.