Abstract
The study was aimed at investigating localized topical drug delivery to the breast via mammary papilla (nipple). 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and estradiol (EST) were used as model hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds respectively. Porcine and human nipple were used for in-vitro penetration studies. The removal of keratin plug enhanced the drug transport through the nipple. The drug penetration was significantly higher through the nipple compared to breast skin. The drug’s lipophilicity had a significant influence on drug penetration through nipple. The ducts in the nipple served as a major transport pathway to the underlying breast tissue. Results showed that porcine nipple could be a potential model for human nipple. The topical application of 5-FU on the rat nipple resulted in high drug concentration in the breast and minimal drug levels in plasma and other organs. Overall, the findings from this study demonstrate the feasibility of localized drug delivery to the breast through nipple.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women [1]
Nile Red (NR) was purchased from MP Biomedicals, Solon, OH. 14C-5-FU and 3H-EST were purchased from Moravek Biochemicals and Radiochemicals, Brea, CA
5-FU penetration through the porcine nipple was higher compared to the drug penetration through the breast skin
Summary
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women [1]. Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) is a common breast cancer in women, where localized therapy can be most beneficial. Localized therapy can be an adjuvant to other systemic therapies in breast cancer. The current treatment options for breast cancer include mastectomy, breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy [2, 3]. These treatments are associated with short-term and long-term side effects including cardiac complications, risk of second cancers, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, myelo-
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