Concurrent Chemotherapy of Malignant Glioma in Rats by Using Multidrug-Loaded Biodegradable Nanofibrous Membranes

Glioblastoma multiforme has a poor prognosis and is highly chemoresistant. In this study, we implanted biodegradable 1,3-bis[2-chloroethyl]-1-nitroso-urea-, irinotecan-, and cisplatin-eluting poly[(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide] (BIC/PLGA) and virgin nanofibrous membranes on the brain surface of C6 glioma-bearing rats in concurrent and virgin groups, respectively. The concentrations of all applied drugs were significantly higher in the brain than in the blood for more than 8 weeks in all studied rats. Tumor growth was more rapid in the vehicle-treated group, and tumor volumes were significantly higher in the vehicle-treated group. Moreover, the average survival time was significantly shorter in the vehicle-treated group (P = 0.026), and the BIC/PLGA nanofibrous membranes significantly reduced the risk of mortality (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the results suggested that the BIC/PLGA nanofibers reduced the malignancy of C6 glioma. The experimental findings indicate that the multianticancer drug (i.e., BIC)-eluting PLGA nanofibers are favorable candidates for treating malignant glioma.