Paclitaxel-Loaded Polymersomes for Enhanced Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Oncology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Peritoneal carcinomatosis significantly increases cancer mortality, with limited treatment options.
• Current intraperitoneal chemotherapy faces challenges in achieving adequate drug penetration and accumulation.
• Effective drug delivery systems are crucial for treating peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pH-sensitive polymersomes for targeted paclitaxel delivery to peritoneal carcinomatosis.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of paclitaxel-loaded polymersomes.
• To investigate the biodistribution and tumor accumulation of the polymersome system.

Main Methods:

• Polymersomes loaded with paclitaxel were synthesized and characterized.
• In vitro drug release, cell viability assays, and in vivo biodistribution studies were performed.
• Antitumor efficacy was evaluated in mouse models of gastric and colon cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Main Results:

• Paclitaxel-loaded polymersomes demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity compared to free paclitaxel and Abraxane.
• Polymersomes exhibited stability at neutral pH and efficient drug release at acidic pH.
• Intraperitoneal administration led to significant accumulation in peritoneal tumors with dual targeting mechanisms.
• Treatment with paclitaxel-polymersomes reduced tumor burden and metastatic nodules in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

• Polymersomes represent a viable platform for targeted drug delivery to peritoneal carcinomatosis.
• This nanotechnology approach improves the therapeutic index of paclitaxel for peritoneal cancer.
• Further development holds potential for improved treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis and other metastatic diseases.