Liposome Formulation for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Radiation Therapy
Amanda J Stolarz1,2, Bijay P Chhetri2, Michael J Borrelli3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 14, 2022
Summary
Radiation-triggered liposomes (RTLs) release therapeutic payloads upon X-ray exposure. These novel liposomes enhance chemotherapy and radiation efficacy, improving tumor cell killing and growth delay.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Targeted drug delivery using triggered release from liposomes is established.
- Few studies utilize therapeutic X-rays as a trigger for liposomal drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize liposomes triggered by ionizing radiation (RTLs) for controlled therapeutic payload release.
- To evaluate the efficacy of RTLs loaded with SN-38 chemotherapy and near-infrared fluorescent dyes in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Liposomes composed of PE, DSPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG-2000 were synthesized.
- Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) determined RTL size (114-133 nm).
- Chloral hydrate within RTLs generates protons under ionizing radiation, causing pH drop and payload release.
Main Results:
- RTLs demonstrated radiation-induced release of fluorescent tracers.
- Biodistribution imaging showed preferential uptake and release at tumor irradiation sites.
- RTLs loaded with SN-38 enhanced tumor cell killing with radiation in vitro and improved tumor growth delay in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Radiation-triggered liposomes (RTLs) offer a novel approach for targeted drug delivery.
- RTLs combined with chemotherapy and radiation show enhanced anti-tumor effects.
- This technology holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
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