Injectable Cisplatin-Loaded Biodegradable Poly(anhydride-ester) for Treating Head and Neck Cancer: Preclinical Studies

The first-line treatment for unresectable HPV-negative squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) patients involves weekly or triweekly systemic cisplatin chemotherapy concurrently with radiotherapy. Cisplatin induces severe systemic toxicity that prevents a portion of patients from receiving the standard of care while redirecting them to less effective alternatives. This means worsening prognosis and overall survival (OS). A single-dose long-acting cisplatin limits toxicity. This is an injectable, biodegradable polyanhydride derived from sebacic acid (SA) and ricinoleic acid (RA) investigated as a targeted small-volume, high-payload carrier to improve safety and enhance efficacy.