Efficacy of daunorubicin encapsulated in liposome for the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of daunorubicin encapsulated in liposome as a drug delivery system to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental PVR model was made in pigmented rabbits by injecting a suspension of conjunctival fibroblasts and platelet-rich plasma into the vitreous cavity. Daunorubicin was encapsulated in newly developed empty liposome by mixing the empty liposome with the drug solution. Studies were performed 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after injection of daunorubicin encapsulated in empty liposome in an experimental PVR model.

RESULTS

Compared with the control PVR model, daunorubicin prevented the formation of PVR. Although pathologic changes were observed in the eyes injected with daunorubicin alone, there were no adverse effects observed in the eyes injected with daunorubicin encapsulated in empty liposome.

CONCLUSIONS

Daunorubicin encapsulated in empty liposome seems to be effective in preventing PVR without causing any adverse effects to the retina.