Fibrin matrix containing high-dose calcitriol promotes the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by sustainably releasing calcitrol and D-dimer

The dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D ₃ (calcitriol or VD), a promising therapeutic agent for gastric cancer, is limited by hypercalcemia if administered systemically. Here we explored the feasibility of applying fibrin matrix as high-dose VD carrier for topical application. Our results indicated that VD did not significantly alter the morphological, rheological and degradation characteristics of fibrin matrix except decreasing gelation time by its solvent DMSO. Furthermore, VD could be sustainably released from fibrin for more than 96 hours. Most importantly, fibrin containing high-dose VD increased gastric cancer cells apoptosis in contrast to VD alone of the same concentration, which might be due to the synergistic effects of sustained release of VD and D-dimer, the degradation products of fibrin. This study suggests that local delivery of high-dose calcitriol carried by fibrin matrix might be a promising adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer surgery.