The selective targeting of cancer cells by using Pheroid® as a drug delivery system

Abstract

Pheroid® is a drug delivery system with possible use in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer and that enhances the efficacy of the treatment of chronic diseases [1]. Current cancer treatment is non-selective, has serious long-term side-effects and sometimes is life-threatening [2]. Certain drug delivery systems can be used to improve the safety, stability and efficiency of cancer therapy [3]. Various types of Pheroid® can be formulated and custom-made for different applications [1]. Pheroid® has the potential to be formulated to specifically target cancer cells and to improve the bio- availability and efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Pheroid® will be formulated with folic acid and transferrin covalently attached to the fatty acids that will be incorporated in the Pheroid®. These ligands are specifically chosen as the receptors for these ligands are overexpressed in certain cancer types. Mass spectrometry and NMR spectrometry will be used to confirm attachment. Cisplatin will be used as active ingredient that will be encapsulated in the Pheroid®. These formulations will be characterized and stability tests will be performed to determine the stability of the formulations. In vitro study will be performed with breast (MCF7) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines and will include cytotoxicity assays and cellular uptake assays to confirm selectivity. In vivo efficacy of the formulations will be performed on xenografts models of MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. A pharmacokinetic study and a tissue bio-distribution study will be performed to determine the selectivity of the Pheroid® formulations against cancer cells. The following results are anticipated for this study: Successfully attachment of ligands to fatty acids incorporated in Pheroid®; Selective targeting of cancer cells by Pheroid®; Accumulation of Pheroid® in tumor environment; Improve efficacy and safety of cisplatin treatment. This study will contribute to knowledge in the cancer research field and selective targeting of cancer cells by Pheroid® drug delivery system. We anticipate to patent the targeting of this technology and the use of it in cancer therapy