Selective uptake of boronated low-density lipoprotein in melanoma xenografts achieved by diet supplementation

The lipid core of human plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was extracted using hexane and the LDL reconstituted with the addition of n-octyl-carborane. Biodistribution studies of the boronated LDL were performed in BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneous Harding-Passey melanoma xenografts. When diet supplementation with coconut oil and cholesterol for 21 days and regular dosing with hydrocortisone for 7 days before the studies was used to down-regulate the liver LDL receptors and the adrenal receptors, respectively, the tumour-blood boron concentration ratio of 5:1 was achieved.