Modulation of cisplatin pharmacodynamics by Cremophor EL: experimental and clinical studies

Combining porous starch and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil RH40 to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bisdemethoxycurcumin

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC) is an important ingredient derived from the food spice turmeric. Although BDC exhibits various pharmacological effects, it is characterized by poor water solubility and limited stability under light. Considering that the high specific surface area of porous starch (PS) renders it an ideal carrier for the encapsulation of active compounds, and polyoxyethylene‑hydrogenated castor oil RH40 (RH40) is an effective solubilizer for BDC, the current study optimized the PS/RH40/BDC formulation to combine these advantages. Consequently, a PS/RH40/BDC ratio of 10:3:1 was identified as optimal (RH-PS/BDC). Characterization using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and stability testing indicated that BDC was amorphously encapsulated within the RH-PS system, thereby leading to enhanced stability and solubility. Furthermore, cellular uptake experiments revealed a significant increase of RH-PS/BDC. In terms of the enhancement mechanism, RH40 can reduce cell membrane fluidity and open tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, thereby facilitating BDC absorption. In vivo pharmacodynamic analysis confirmed that RH-PS/BDC effectively inhibited LPS-induced cerebral neuritis. Overall, this study demonstrates the role of PS in combination with RH40 in enhancing the stability and bioavailability of BDC. This simple and efficient preparation strategy is promising for future research and product development.

Nano-Delivery of a Novel Inhibitor of Polynucleotide Kinase/Phosphatase (PNKP) for Targeted Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer to Radiation-Induced DNA Damage

Inhibition of the DNA repair enzyme polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase (PNKP) increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA damage by ionizing radiation (IR). We have developed a novel inhibitor of PNKP, i.e., A83B4C63, as a potential radio-sensitizer for the treatment of solid tumors. Systemic delivery of A83B4C63, however, may sensitize both cancer and normal cells to DNA damaging therapeutics. Preferential delivery of A83B4C63 to solid tumors by nanoparticles (NP) was proposed to reduce potential side effects of this PNKP inhibitor to normal tissue, particularly when combined with DNA damaging therapies. Here, we investigated the radio-sensitizing activity of A83B4C63 encapsulated in NPs (NP/A83) based on methoxy poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(α-benzyl carboxylate-ε-caprolactone) (mPEO-b-PBCL) or solubilized with the aid of Cremophor EL: Ethanol (CE/A83) in human HCT116 colorectal cancer (CRC) models. Levels of γ-H2AX were measured and the biodistribution of CE/A83 and NP/A83 administered intravenously was determined in subcutaneous HCT116 CRC xenografts. The radio-sensitization effect of A83B4C63 was measured following fractionated tumor irradiation using an image-guided Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP), with 24 h pre-administration of CE/A83 and NP/A83 to Luc⁺/HCT116 bearing mice. Therapeutic effects were analyzed by monitoring tumor growth and functional imaging using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and [¹⁸F]-fluoro-3’-deoxy-3’-L:-fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT) as a radiotracer for cell proliferation. The results showed an increased persistence of DNA damage in cells treated with a combination of CE/A83 or NP/A83 and IR compared to those only exposed to IR. Significantly higher tumor growth delay in mice treated with a combination of IR and NP/A83 than those treated with IR plus CE/A83 was observed. [¹⁸F]FLT PET displayed significant functional changes for tumor proliferation for the drug-loaded NP. This observation was attributed to the higher A83B4C63 levels in the tumors for NP/A83-treated mice compared to those treated with CE/A83. Overall, the results demonstrated a potential for A83B4C63-loaded NP as a novel radio-sensitizer for the treatment of CRC.

Ferrocene-containing amphiphilic polynorbornenes as biocompatible drug carriers

Ferrocene-containing diblock and random polynorbornene-based copolymers were synthesized by ROMP and used as biocompatible drug carrier micelles.

Hepatotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of cisplatin in combination therapy with a traditional Chinese medicine compound of Zengmian Yiliu granules in ICR mice and SKOV-3-bearing nude mice

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent used for therapy of many tumors and has been limited by its toxicity. Zengmian Yiliu granule (ZMYL), a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicines, has been used in clinic as a complementary and alternative medicine for attenuating CDDP-induced toxicities and enhancing the tumor therapeutic effect of CDDP. The aim of the present study is to investigate hepaprotective effect of ZMYL against CDDP-induced hepatotoxicity. Further, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of CDDP in SKOV-3-bearing nude mice were observed.

METHODS

The ICR mice were dosed orally with ZMYL for 7 days and then CDDP was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured to evaluate the liver function. The total glutathione (T-GSH), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were determined to evaluate the oxidant damage in liver homogenates. Tissue pathological change in liver was conducted by light microscopy analysis. The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution of free and total platinum (Pt) after dosing of CDDP alone and combination with ZMYL were determined in SKOV-3-bearing nude mice by ICP-MS.

RESULTS

Oral administration of ZMYL prior to the CDDP treatment could prevent the CDDP-induced in lifting of ALT and AST, reduction of T-GSH, R-GSH and GST, and some histopathological alterations in ICR mice. Some differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between the two groups have been observed in higher CL and decreased MRT of free platinum (Pt) in plasma and total Pt in spleen in CDDP co-administration with ZMYL group. It indicated CDDP was cleared more quickly from blood and spleen, and could reduce the accumulation and toxic possibility of CDDP in combination with ZMYL.

CONCLUSIONS

ZMYL could be used as a beneficial supplement, which could attenuate CDDP-induced hepatotoxicity during CDDP chemotherapy and did not disturb the pharmacokinetics fate of CDDP significantly.

Immunosafety and chronic toxicity evaluation of monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) polymer micelles for paclitaxel delivery

To investigate the physicochemical properties, immunosafety and chronic toxicity of monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (mPEG-PLA), a copolymer used as a carrier for paclitaxel (PTX) delivery. The H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR), dynamic light scattering and fluorescence probe technique were conducted to determine the physicochemical properties of mPEG-PLA copolymer. PTX-loaded polymeric micelles were characterized regarding their particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), in vitro drug release and hemolysis rate. The complement activation in human serum and mast cells degranulation were performed by ELISA and RBL-2H3 cell line in vitro, respectively. The chronic toxicity study was carried out on beagle dogs. The optimized PTX-loaded mPEG-PLA (40/60) micelles showed a particle size of 37 nm and EE of 98.0% with a DL of 17.0% w/w. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that mPEG-PLA (40/60) micelles have spherical shape with dense core. In vitro release study showed a sustained release for 24 h, and the hemolysis study revealed that mPEG-PLA (40/60) was a safe nanocarrier for intravenous administration. mPEG-PLA (40/60) showed a lower complement activation ability compared to mPEG-PLA (50/50) and Cremophor® EL (Cr EL). Furthermore, the chronic toxicity of PTX-loaded mPEG-PLA (40/60) micelles was significantly lower than those of mPEG-PLA (50/50) and Cr EL.

Docetaxel-loaded thermosensitive and bioadhesive nanomicelles as a rectal drug delivery system for enhanced chemotherapeutic effect

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential of thermosensitive and biadhesive nanomicelles in improving the bioavailability of docetaxel (DCT) and its chemotherapeutic effect.

METHOD

DCT-loaded nanomicelles were prepared by emulsufication and characterized in terms of physico-chemical and visco-elastic parameters. The optimzed formulation was evaluated for in vivo localization, pharmacokinetic and anti-tumor efficacy.

RESULTS

The hydrodynamic size of DCT-loaded nanomicelles was approximately 13 nm and the nanomicelles exhibited a sufficient gelation strength (9250 mPa·s) and bioadhesive force (2100 dyn/cm²) to be retained in the upper part of rectum. We observed a high rectal bioavailability of 29% DCT compared to that following oral administration in rats, as it successfully evaded the multidrug efflux transporters and hepatic first-pass metabolism. Plasma concentration around ∼50 ng/mL was maintained throughout the study period (12 h) while Taxotere® attained subtherapeutic range within 4 h of drug administration. Results also revealed that the rectally administered DCT-loaded nanomicelles exhibited a significant anti-tumor effect (200 mm³) with a reduced toxicity profile when compared to orally administered DCT (950 mm³). Furthermore, histological study showed that the rectal mucosa was completely intact with no signs of irritation upon treatment with DCT-loaded nanomicelles.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our novel thermosensitive and biadhesive nanomicelles demonstrated the ability to improve the bioavailability and chemotherapeutic potential of DCT in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the rectal delivery of DCT-loaded nanomicelles.

Drug–drug interactions in oncology: Why are they important and can they be minimized?

Adverse drug-drug interactions are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cancer patients are at particularly high risk of such interactions because they commonly receive multiple medications, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal agents and supportive care drugs. In addition, the majority of cancer patients are elderly, and so require medications for co-morbid conditions such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and rheumatological diseases. Furthermore, the age-related decline in hepatic and renal function reduces their ability to metabolize and clear drugs and so increases the potential for toxicity. Not all drug-drug interactions can be predicted, and those that are predictable are not always avoidable. However, increased awareness of the potential for these interactions will allow healthcare providers to minimize the risk by choosing appropriate drugs and also by monitoring for signs of interaction. This review considers the basic principles of drug-drug interactions, and presents specific examples that are relevant to oncology.

A randomized cross-over trial to determine the effect of Cremophor EL on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carboplatin chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Paclitaxel, when combined with carboplatin, exhibits a platelet-sparing effect. Paclitaxel is formulated in Cremophor EL (CrEL), which has been shown in preclinical models to reduce haematological toxicity from radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We sought to determine the effect of a 3-h infusion of 20 ml/m2 (equivalent to 175 mg/m2 paclitaxel) CrEL on myelosuppression following carboplatin chemotherapy, and the effect of CrEL on carboplatin pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

A total of 16 patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer were randomized to receive either CrEL or saline over 3 h prior to carboplatin (area under the curve, AUC, 5-7). Each patient was subsequently crossed over to the other treatment. Blood samples were collected at selected time-points for estimation of platinum AUC and 24-h platinum levels. Full blood counts were obtained three times per week.

RESULTS

Of the 16 patients randomized, 15 were evaluable. Myelosuppression was measured by percentage fall at nadir and nadir levels. No significant differences were obtained when comparing CrEL and saline with respect to the above end-points after adjusting for multiple testing. There was no evidence to indicate that CrEL altered the pharmacokinetics of carboplatin.

CONCLUSION

CrEL at this dose and schedule does not appear to be a major contributory factor to the platelet-sparing effect of paclitaxel when combined with carboplatin, nor does it alter the pharmacokinetics of carboplatin.

A Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Weekly Paclitaxel and Carboplatin in Patients with Metastatic Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE

To determine the maximum-tolerated dose, toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics of a fixed dose of paclitaxel followed by increasing doses of carboplatin, given weekly to patients with advanced esophageal or gastric junction cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Paclitaxel was administered on day 1 as a 1-h infusion at a fixed dose of 100 mg/m(2) followed by a 1-h infusion of carboplatin targeting an area under the curve (AUC) of 2-5 mg x min/ml, with cycles repeated on days 8, 15, 29, 36, and 43.

RESULTS

Forty patients [36 males; median (range) age, 57 (40-74) years] were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed at a carboplatin AUC of 5 mg x min/ml and consisted of treatment delay attributable to myelosuppression. No grade 3/4 treatment-related nonhematological toxicity was observed. The highest dose intensity (>95% of the planned dose over time) was achieved with a carboplatin AUC of 4 mg x min/ml. The mean (+/-SD) AUCs of unbound (Cu) and total paclitaxel were 0.662 +/- 0.186 and 7.37 +/- 1.33 micro M x h, respectively. Clearance of Cu was 188 +/- 44.6 liter/h/m(2), which is not significantly different from historical data (P = 0.52). Cremophor EL clearance was 123 +/- 23 ml/h/m(2), similar to previous findings. Of 37 patients evaluable for response, 1 had complete response, 19 had partial response, and 10 had stable disease, accounting for an overall response rate of 54%.

CONCLUSIONS

This regimen is very tolerable and effective, and the recommended doses for additional studies are paclitaxel (100 mg/m(2)), with carboplatin targeting an AUC of 4 mg x min/ml.

Weekly high-dose cisplatin is a feasible treatment option: analysis on prognostic factors for toxicity in 400 patients

In the present study we describe the toxicity of weekly high-dose (70-85 mg x m(-2)) cisplatin in 400 patients (203 men, 197 women; median age 54 years) with advanced solid tumours treated in the period 1990-2001 who took part in phase I/II trials, investigating the feasibility and efficacy of weekly cisplatin alone, or in combination with paclitaxel or etoposide. Cisplatin was administered in 250 ml NaCl 3% over 3 h, for six intended administrations. The mean number of administrations was 5.3 (range, 1-6 administrations). Reasons not to complete six cycles were disease progression (7.5%), haematological toxicity (9%), nephrotoxicity (7%), ototoxicity (2.5%), neurotoxicity (1%), gastrointestinal toxicity (1%), cardiovascular complications (0.5%) or a combination of reasons including noncompliance and patient's request (5.5%). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate baseline parameters for prognostic value regarding toxicity. Leukopenia correlated with etoposide cotreatment, and thrombocytopenia with cisplatin dose and prior (platinum-based) chemotherapy. Risk factors for nephrotoxicity were older age, female gender, smoking, hypoalbuminaemia and paclitaxel coadministration. Neurotoxicity >grade 1 (11% of patients) was associated with prior chemotherapy and paclitaxel coadministration. Symptomatic hearing loss occurred in 15% with anaemia as the predisposing factor. We conclude that weekly high-dose cisplatin administered in hypertonic saline is a feasible treatment regimen.