The in vivo behavior and antitumor activity of doxorubicin-loaded poly(γ-benzyl l -glutamate)- block -hyaluronan polymersomes in Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing BalB/c mice

Abstract The in vivo efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded poly(γ-benzyl l -glutamate)- block -hyaluronan (PBLG23 - b -HYA10 )-based polymersomes (PolyDOX) was evaluated. Samples were efficiently labeled with technetium-99m radionuclide with good stability for in vivo studies. PolyDOX enhanced circulation time compared to free DOX. Biodistribution studies revealed selective accumulation of PolyDOX in the Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) as a result of passive accumulation and active targeting (CD44-mediated endocytosis) in EAT-bearing mice. Toxicity studies demonstrated PolyDOX is a safe drug carrier, and no hemolysis was observed with PolyDOX equivalent to 200 μg/mL of free DOX. PolyDOX dominantly controlled tumor growth by delaying doubling time of EATs compared to free DOX over 30 days after treatment. PolyDOX also increased life span six times more than free DOX. Hence, it is reasonable to expect that higher DOX levels attributable to PolyDOX improve the therapeutic index and reduce side effects due to site-specific drug accumulation. From the Clinical Editor In this preclinical project, doxorubicin loaded polymersomes enhanced intracellular uptake of doxorubicin in a murine model of Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) through CD44 receptor mediated endocytosis, resulting in prolonged Tumor Doubling Time and increase in life span of mice.