A nanoparticle-containing polycaprolactone implant for combating post-resection breast cancer recurrence

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Breast cancer recurrence and metastasis post-surgery are major causes of mortality.
• Systemic chemotherapy faces challenges with low tumor delivery efficiency and significant side effects.
• Current localized chemotherapy requires a second surgery for breast tissue reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an implantable polymeric scaffold for localized chemotherapy delivery post-breast cancer resection.
• To simultaneously provide mechanical support and a regenerative niche for breast tissue reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy and biocompatibility of the drug-loaded scaffold in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

• Doxorubicin was encapsulated in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds (DMSN@PCL).
• Sustained drug release was assessed in vivo following implantation in mice.
• The efficacy of DMSN@PCL scaffolds in inhibiting local tumor recurrence was evaluated in a post-surgical mouse model with xenograft MDA-MB-231 tumors.
• Biocompatibility was assessed during the treatment period.

Main Results:

• The DMSN@PCL scaffolds demonstrated a sustained release of doxorubicin for up to 9 weeks post-implantation.
• Significant inhibition of local breast tumor recurrence was observed within 4 weeks in the post-surgical mouse model.
• The DMSN@PCL scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility in the treated mice.

Conclusions:

• The developed implantable scaffold offers a promising strategy for localized adjuvant chemotherapy following breast cancer surgery.
• This approach effectively inhibits post-resection tumor recurrence while supporting tissue regeneration.
• The strategy holds potential for clinical application to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.