TARGETED CANCER-CHEMOTHERAPY FOR VX2 TUMOR IMPLANTED IN THE COLON WITH LIPIODOL AS A CARRIER

In this study, we examined the possibility of targeting drug delivery to tumours by dissolving the cytotoxic drug in a lipid fluid that is s electively deposited in tumours. Rabbits bearing VX2 tumour 10-20 mm i n diameter in the large bowel received arterial injections of 0.2 ml o f mitomycin C (MMC) dissolved in Lipiodol (MMC/Lipiodol), and the anti tumour activity and adverse effects were examined. One week after trea tment complete necrosis of the tumour was observed in 8 of 10 rabbits that received MMC/Lipiodol (3 mg/ml) without severe adverse effects on the surrounding caecum. In comparison 3/12 control animals that recei ved MMC in saline and Lipiodol also showed complete necrosis. 6 of 7 r abbits killed eight weeks after the injection of MMC/Lipiodol were cur ed, with no viable tumour cells and with. a normal appearance of the s urrounding large bowel. In conclusion, MMC dissolved in Lipiodol may b e adaptable for the treatment of colon cancer and may achieve antitumo ur activity without severe adverse effects. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.