Abstract
Polymeric particulate delivery systems are vastly explored for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the preparation of polymeric particulate systems with the capability of providing sustained release of two or more drugs is still a challenge. Herein, poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid, 50:50) hollow microparticles co-loaded with doxorubicin and paclitaxel were developed through double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Hollow microparticles were formed through the addition of an osmolyte into the fabrication process. The benefits of hollow over solid microparticles were found to be higher encapsulation efficiency and a more rapid drug release rate. Further modification of the hollow microparticles was accomplished through the introduction of methyl-β-cyclodextrin. With this, a higher encapsulation efficiency of both drugs and an enhanced cumulative release were achieved. Spheroid study further demonstrated that the controlled release of the drugs from the methyl-β-cyclodextrin -loaded hollow microparticles exhibited enhanced tumor regressions of MCF-7 tumor spheroids. Such hollow dual-drug-loaded hollow microparticles with sustained releasing capabilities may have a potential for future applications in cancer therapy.
Highlights
Cancer remains one of the leading cause of human mortality
Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid, 50:50) hollow microparticles coloaded with doxorubicin and paclitaxel were developed through double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique
Further modification of the hollow microparticles was accomplished through the introduction of methyl-β-cyclodextrin
Summary
Based on a report by IMS Health in 2016, the global market for cancer therapy, at an annual growth rate of 7.5 – 10.5 %, is expected to reach $150 billion by 2020 [1]. The main treatment for cancer is tumor removal through surgical means, but in situations where the malignant cells are no longer localized, chemotherapy will be the principal treatment modality. Under such a circumstance, and if the situation permits, combination chemotherapy is desired. Several clinical studies have reported that the co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) increases tumor regression rates as compared to the use of a single drug [6,7]. A combinatory drug approach curbs the drug-resistant evolution of tumors [8]
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