Docetaxel-loaded PEG-albumin nanoparticles with improved antitumor efficiency against non-small cell lung cancer

The aim of the present study was mainly to assess the advantage of docetaxel-loaded PEG-albumin nanoparticles (PEG-DANPs) against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with the commercial product of docetaxel (Aisu®) and docetaxel-albumin nanoparticles (DANPs). We made systematic assessments on these three drugs against NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. Based on our experiments, PEG-DANPs showed a dose- and time-dependent efficacy in the in vitro cytotoxicity studies; the tumors growth and the metastases in the livers of NSCLC-bearing nude mice in vivo were reduced dmarkedly by PEG-DANPs, and the PEG-DANP-treated mice had a minimum of weight loss; furthermore, the mice which were treated with PEG-DANPs can survive longer than the other groups. In conclusion, the PEG-DANPs have the lowest side-effects, and the highest antitumor and metastases activity of the three drugs, and it may provide an alternative to patients with NSCLC.

[Upcoming strategies in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer stage IIIB/wet and IV]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common malign lung tumour. It is diagnosed in the majority of patients at an advanced stage without a chance for cure despite substantial progress in the therapeutic armamentarium. The therapeutic goals in this situation are prolongation of life and symptom palliation. Both the classical chemotherapy as well as modern therapeutic strategies (tyrosinkinase inhibitors, bevacizumab) are able to achieve these goals. It is currently unclear how to incorporate the new strategies into first line therapy. At the ASCO congress 2007 numerous studies were presented for first line therapy of advanced NSCLC. A large phase III study with bevacizumab and a study with Docetaxel maintenance therapy are to be discussed in detail, followed by a short presentation of a study with platinum-free combinations, a new platinum combination with pemetrexed/carboplatin, the chemotherapy of patients with PS (2/3), and interesting studies with cetuximab.