Preparation of microspheres encapsulating sorafenib and catalase and their application in rabbit VX2 liver tumor.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is extensively used in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy of TACE is usually limited to secondary tumor hypoxia and hypoxia-related tumor angiogenesis.

METHODS

In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (SOR-CAT-PLGA MSs) encapsulating sorafenib (SOR) and catalase (CAT) were prepared by double-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Sorafenib inhibits tumor angiogenesis, and catalase decomposes hydrogen peroxide (HO) to generate oxygen in the tumor.

RESULTS

In vitro and in vivo, SOR -CAT-PLGA MSs could significantly improve the efficacy of hepatic artery embolization in the treatment of rabbit VX2 liver tumors, regulate tumor hypoxia and immunosuppressive microenvironment, then achieved near-complete and rapid necrosis of liver tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of new SOR -CAT-PLGA MSs in hepatic artery chemoembolization of rabbit VX2 liver tumor is a promising approach to improve the therapeutic effect of liver tumors and has a broad clinical application prospect.