Intratumor administration of fusogenic liposomes containing fragment A of diphtheria toxin suppresses tumor growth.

Previously, we reported that experimental i.p. administration of fusogenic liposomes containing fragment A of diphtheria toxin (DTA) completely regressed ascites tumors without any severe side effects. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of intratumor injection of fusogenic liposomes using ddY mice implanted with Sarcoma-180 (S-180) cells intradermally. Intratumor injections of fusogenic liposomes containing DTA significantly inhibited the tumor growth as assessed by the relative mean tumor volume, and by the survival time of mice. No therapeutic effects were observed when simple liposomes containing DTA or empty fusogenic liposomes were administered. Using [3H]inulin encapsulated in fusogenic liposomes as a marker, we demonstrated that fusogenic liposomes delivered their contents into the solid tumor cells about 15 times more efficiently than simple liposomes. These results suggest that intratumor administration of fusogenic liposomes containing DTA is a highly effective approach to the local treatment of solid tumors.