Hyperthermia-induced doxorubicin delivery from thermosensitive liposomes via MR-HIFU in a pig model

Encapsulation of cytotoxic drugs for a localized release is an effective way to increase the therapeutic window of such agents. In this article we present the localized release of doxorubicin (DOX) from phosphatidyldiglycerol (DPPG₂) based thermosensitive liposomes using MR-HIFU mediated hyperthermia in a swine model.

German landrace pigs of weights between 37.5 and 53.5 kg received a 30-min infusion of DOX containing thermosensitive liposomes (50 mg DOX/m²). The pigs' biceps femoris was treated locally in two separate target areas with mild hyperthermia using magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound, starting 10 min and 60 min after initiation of the infusion, respectively. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of DOX were determined and an analysis of the treatment parameters' influence was performed.

Compared to untreated tissue, we found a 15-fold and a 7-fold increase in DOX concentration in the muscle volumes that had undergone hyperthermia starting 10 min and 60 min after the beginning of the infusion, respectively. The pharmacokinetic analysis showed a prolonged circulation time of DOX and a correlation between the AUC of extra-liposomal DOX in the bloodstream and the amount of DOX accumulated in the target tissue.

We have demonstrated a workflow for MR-HIFU hyperthermia drug delivery that can be adapted to a clinical setting, showing that HIFU-hyperthermia is a suitable method for local drug release of DOX using DPPG₂ based thermosensitive liposomes in stationary targets. Using the developed pharmacokinetic model, an optimization of the drug quantity deposited in the target via the timing of infusion and hyperthermia should be possible.