[Efficacy of intraperitoneally injected epirubicin-loaded poly (d, l)-lactic acid microspheres alone or combined with free epirubicin in treating hepatocellular carcinoma in mice].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the efficacy of intraperitoneally injected epirubicin (EPI)-loaded poly (d, l)-lactic acid (PLA) microspheres (MS) alone or combined with free epirubicin (FEPI) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice.


METHODS
Mice that were transplanted with H22 ascites HCC were randomized into seven groups, which were intraperitoneally injected with blank microspheres, normal saline, three different doses of microspheres (9, 18, and 36 mg/kg EPI) , FEPI (9 mg/kg) , and the combination (microspheres with EPI 4.5 mg/kg + FEPI 4.5 mg/kg). The survival time of all animals was recorded. The rates of increase in life span of all the treatment groups were calculated.


RESULTS
EPI-PLA-MS significantly prolonged the survival time of HCC mice in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of 18 - 36 mg/kg. The combination group had the highest average survival time, median survival time, and rate of increase in life span, which were (40.0 +/- 16.9) days, 33.5 days, and 222.58%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
EPI-PLA-MS combined with FEPI is highly effective in treating HCC in mice when intraperitoneally injected.
Zhou
Jian-Yin
JY
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, China.
Wang
Xiao-Min
XM
Zhang
Qi-Qing
QQ
Ye
She-Fang
SF
D000818:Animals; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008863:Microspheres; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; D015251:Epirubicin; C033616:poly(lactide)