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Intrauterine devices incorporating nanocarriers for targeted cervical cancer therapy

Cristiane Mayumi Wada1,2, Gustavo Ferrari1,2, Loise Silveira da Silva2

  • 1NIMMA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Nanomedicine (London, England)
|March 11, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study developed drug-loaded intrauterine devices (IUDs) for treating cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The IUDs demonstrated sustained drug release and effective antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity for localized treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Gynecological Oncology

Background:

  • Viruses, notably human papillomavirus (HPV), are primary causes of severe human illnesses, including the majority of cervical cancer cases.
  • Current antiviral strategies focus on targeting viral components or host cell mechanisms.
  • Combined local therapies involving hormonal, antiviral, and chemotherapeutic agents offer potential for preventing viral infections and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate novel intrauterine devices (IUDs) for localized drug delivery in the treatment of cervical cancer.
  • To incorporate progesterone, fluorouracil, and surfactant agents into IUDs for prophylactic and infectious cervical cancer management.
  • To assess the manufacturing, drug release, and biological activity of these drug-loaded IUDs.

Main Methods:

  • Injection molding was used to manufacture polyethylene-based IUDs loaded with therapeutic agents.
  • Characterization involved scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical testing.
  • Drug release kinetics and interactions with cell cultures were investigated to evaluate efficacy.

Main Results:

  • The drug-loaded IUDs exhibited reproducible manufacturing processes.
  • Sustained release of incorporated drugs was observed.
  • Promising cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were demonstrated in cell culture studies.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene-based drug-loaded IUDs are a viable platform for localized cervical cancer treatment.
  • The developed IUDs show potential for effective drug delivery and biological activity against cervical cancer.
  • Further research supports their application in prophylactic and infectious cervical cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Injection moldingantimicrobialcervical cancer treatmentsintrauterine devicesnanocarrier drug deliveries

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