Hybrid liposomes inhibit the growth of primary effusion lymphoma in vitro and in vivo.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive neoplasm caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV-8) infection. It occurs predominantly in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, is generally resistant to chemotherapy, and has a poor prognosis. Hybrid liposomes (HL), composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether, inhibited PEL cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro. Intraperitoneal inoculation of the BCBL-1 PEL cell line into NOD/Scid/Jak3 deficient mice induced massive ascites, which were inhibited by HL21 without significant systemic toxicity in the mice. These results suggest that HL21 is an effective and attractive reagent for PEL treatment.