Tissue Compatibility of SN-38-Loaded Anticancer Nanofiber Matrices

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Local chemotherapy delivery in the surgical bed shows preclinical efficacy for pediatric solid tumors after subtotal resection.
• Safety of eluting chemotherapy agents on adjacent healthy tissues is a critical unknown for clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomic and functional impact of SN-38-eluting electrospun nanofiber matrices on healthy tissues adjacent to common pediatric tumor sites.
• To assess the safety profile of these matrices in Wistar rats, mimicking conditions relevant to neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were implanted with blank and SN-38-loaded nanofiber matrices near femoral neurovascular bundles and abdominal viscera (liver, kidney, bladder, intestine, uterus).
• Histologic examination, skin healing assessment, rotarod tests for motor function, and hematologic tests for organ function were performed.
• Foreign body tissue reaction and specific organ impacts were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Mild foreign body reaction observed, with no histologic damage to any tissue or organ; normal skin healing.
• The hepatic capsule was slightly thicker with SN-38 matrices, but within mild foreign body reaction limits.
• Complete preservation of tissue and organ function, including motor function and liver/renal function, was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• SN-38-eluting nanofiber matrices demonstrate a favorable safety profile for tumor-adjacent healthy tissues in preclinical models.
• Local chemotherapy delivery via these matrices preserves tissue and organ function, supporting their potential for clinical use.
• These findings support the clinical translation of SN-38-loaded nanofiber matrices to enhance local control of pediatric solid tumors post-surgery.