Complete regression of breast tumour with a single dose of docetaxel-entrapped core-cross-linked polymeric micelles.

Qizhi Hu, Cristianne J Rijcken, Ruchi Bansal, Wim E Hennink, Gert Storm, Jai Prakash

Index: Biomaterials 53 , 370-8, (2015)

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Abstract

Treatment with chemotherapy such as docetaxel (DTX) is associated with significant toxicity and tumour recurrence. In this study, we developed DTX-entrapped core-cross-linked polymeric micelles (DTX-CCL-PMs, 66 nm size) by covalently conjugating DTX to CCL-PMs via a hydrolysable ester bond. The covalent conjugation allowed for sustained release of DTX under physiological conditions in vitro. In vivo, DTX-CCL-PMs demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumour xenografts as compared to the marketed formulation of DTX (Taxotere(®)). Strikingly, a single intravenous injection of DTX-CCL-PMs enabled complete regression of both small (∼150 mm(3)) and established (∼550 mm(3)) tumours, leading to 100% survival of the animals. These remarkable antitumour effects of DTX-CCL-PMs are attributed to its enhanced tumour accumulation and anti-stromal activity. Furthermore, DTX-CCL-PMs exhibited superior tolerability in healthy rats as compared to Taxotere. These preclinical data strongly support clinical translation of this novel nanomedicinal product for the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.