Tumoricidal effect of controlled-release polymeric needle devices containing adriamycin HCl in tumor-bearing mice

Controlled-release polymeric needle devices containing adriamycin HCL (ADH) were investigated by an in vitro dissolution study in normal saline solution and an in vivo antitumor activity in C3H mice bearing mammary carcinoma and nude mice bearing brain tumor. HPMC was used as a release rate regulator. The ADH released from needle devices was controlled by the types of polymer used and the addition of HPMC. EVA needle devices exhibit a zero order release behavior better than that of PLA needle devices. Tumor growth was markedly inhibited by treatment with needle devices after locally inserted into the solid tumor. The rank of antitumor activity of the needle devices is EVA greater than PLA greater than EVA-HPMC greater than PLA-HPMC. No significant changes in body weight of mice after treatment were found in treated groups as compared to controlled groups. The preliminary results of our study suggest that needle device dosage form shows a controlled release behavior and may be applicable as a drug carrier for delivery of antitumor drug in cancer chemotherapy.