Intra-arterial delivery of doxorubicin-loaded hollow gold nanospheres—photothermal ablation and chemoembolisation therapy in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high mortality rate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and safety of hepatic arterial administration of doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded hollow gold nanospheres (Dox@HAuNSs) combined with photothermal ablation (PTA) in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model established by implanting VX2 tumour cells into rabbit livers. Rabbits were randomly divided into four treatment groups: physiological saline solution (control); lipiodol and doxorubicin (Dox + Lp); lipiodol and Dox@HAuNS (Dox@PEG-HAuNS + Lp); and lipiodol, Dox@PEG-HAuNS, and photothermal ablation (Dox@PEG-HAuNS + Lp + PTA). Dox release from Dox@PEG-HAuNS in the tumour was detected using fluorescence microscopy. Tumour size and liver-kidney function were assessed in each rabbit preoperatively and on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Necrosis, proliferation, and micro-vessel density of VX2 tumours were estimated in peripheral tumour tissues. Dox release from Dox@PEG-HAuNS was increased with a subsequent increase in tumour necrosis in liver tumours after PTA, whereas the tumour volume and proliferation decreased. However, the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels indicated transient liver damage. Thus, intra-arterial delivery of Dox@PEG-HAuNS combined with PTA can suppress VX2 liver cancer growth. Dox@PEG-HAuNS + Lp + PTA is also associated with transient liver damage in rabbits. The combination of Dox@PEG-HAuNS chemoembolisation and PTA could be a potential therapeutic approach for HCC and it has broad application prospects.