Tumor growth suppression with novel intra-arterial chemotherapy using epirubicin-entrapped water-in-oil-in-water emulsion in Vivo

Abstract

Background/Aim: A mixture of anticancer agents and iodized poppy seed oil (IPSO) has been widely used for intra-arterial chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the anticancer agents can easily separate from IPSO, so the therapeutic potential is limited. We developed epirubicinentrapped water-in-oil-in-water emulsion (WOW-Epi) using a double-membrane emulsification technique. Materials and Methods: We delivered WOW-Epi through a hepatic arterial injection to VX2 hepatic tumor rabbit model (1.2 mg/kg). Results: VX2 tumor growth was selectively suppressed in the WOW-Epi-treated group compared with the control treated groups. The accumulation of WOW in nearby cancer cells was confirmed via electron-microscopy. Endocytosis seemed to be the mechanism underlying the uptake of WOW. Conclusion: WOW-Epi led to tumour growth suppression in vivo. WOW does not cause toxicity to arterial vessels. WOW-Epi will be hopefully used for repeated intra-arterial chemotherapy to HCC patients in the near future.