[Local administration of anti-cancer drugs]

Anti-cancer drugs in the forms of an emulsion, a microsphere, and of conjugates with high molecular dextran have been developed in our laboratories, namely a fat emulsion of anticancer drug, MMC-microsphere, or MMC-dextran conjugates. The main advantages of these forms of pharmaceutical preparation are that they give prolongation of pharmacological actions by slow release and that they are applicable for topical use because of their reduced toxicities to local tissue yet maintaining local therapeutic potency. In this study we found that the rate of sustained release of drugs and antitumor effects were enhanced when used in such modified forms of drugs for topical injections. Results of clinical trials of those drugs have been promising. However, the number of trials has been limited so far. Further studies would be required for evaluating on of their clinical utilities.