Screening of nanoparticulate delivery systems for the photodetection of cancer in a simple and cost-effective model.
OBJECTIVE
In urology, fluorescence-based imaging methods have been proven to significantly improve the detection of small, barely visible tumors and reduce the recurrence rate. Under ethical and economical pressure, new effective screening systems have to be developed to exploit and assess novel strategies for fluorescence photodetection in other areas. For this purpose, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the developing chick embryo is an attractive alternative model to the mammalian models.


METHODS
Hypericin encapsulated into nanoparticles for the photodetection of ovarian metastases was evaluated in the CAM model with respect to vascular extravazation and tumor targeting and compared with free drug following intravenous administration.


RESULTS
To validate the CAM model as a valuable screening system for photodetection of cancer, we drew a comparison with results obtained on a conventional rodent model.


CONCLUSIONS
Rodent and CAM models led to the same conclusion regarding the benefits of nanoencapsulation to improve selective accumulation of drug in ovarian micrometastases.
Zeisser-Labouèbe
Magali
M
Department of Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, 30, Quai E Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Delie
Florence
F
Gurny
Robert
R
Lange
Norbert
N
D000818:Animals; D000873:Anthracenes; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002645:Chickens; D049033:Chorioallantoic Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010569:Perylene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats
D000873:Anthracenes; D010569:Perylene; C004965:hypericin