Therapeutic efficacy of IL-2-loaded hydrogels in a mouse tumor model.

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a highly effective anticancer drug if it is applied locally for 5 consecutive days. In most cases this requires 5 invasive treatments, which is not usually acceptable for either the patient or the clinician. For this reason we have developed dextran-based hydrogels from which the required amount of encapsulated IL-2 (1-4 x 10(6) IU of IL-2) is gradually released during 5-10 days. Initially IL-2-containing macroscopic cylinder-shaped gels (implants), and later IL-2-containing injectable microspheres, were developed. These preparations were characterized in vitro, and the therapeutic activity was tested in DBA/2 mice with SL2 lymphosarcoma. The therapy was given to mice with a large and extensively metastasized tumor load (at least 5% of the body weight). If 1-4 x 10(6) IU of IL-2 was slowly released from the hydrogels over a period of 5-10 days, the therapeutic effects were very good and comparable to the effects of free IL-2 injections for 5 consecutive days. In conclusion, dextran-based hydrogels are promising systems for the controlled release of IL-2.

• Authors: Cornelis J De Groot, Jenny A Cadée, Jan-Willem Koten, Wim E Hennink, Willem Den Otter
• Journal: International journal of cancer (Int J Cancer) Vol. 98 Issue 1 Pg. 134-40 (Mar 01 2002) ISSN: 0020-7136 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11857397 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Chemical References

• Dextrans
• Hydrogels
• Interleukin-2
• Methacrylates
• hydroxyethyl methacrylate

Topics

• Animals
• Dextrans (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Hydrogels
• Interleukin-2 (administration & dosage)
• Methacrylates (administration & dosage)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred DBA
• Microspheres
• Neoplasms, Experimental (pathology, therapy)