Reduced toxicity of protein/magnetic targeted drug delivery system for improved skin cancer treatment in mice model

Abstract Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers. Although majority of skin cancers can be treated effectively if they are diagnosed at an early stage, delayed treatment for some types, such as melanoma, are life threatening. This current study evaluated the therapeutic effects of a recently developed targeted drug delivery system (DDS) to treat an experimental skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a mouse model. This DDS can release drugs into the body at a designated rate and location. The system consists of biodegradable polymer microspheres of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles, human albumin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). While the magnetic forces keep the nanocomposite spheres in the targeted cancer area, the protein promotes increased absorption of the DDS near cancer cells to release the therapeutic agent. While tumor sizes were significantly decreased and cancer tissue underwent dramatic necrosis, no remote organ and lymph node metastasis were observed. The tissue specimens collected from vital organs (lungs, liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes adjcent to the cancer sites) were histologically examined and did not showobvious damages and adverse tissue responses after the DDS injections. Overall, this study confirmed that this DDS is successful in treating cancer without toxic effects and may be a possible alternative to traditional therapies.