Targeted delivery of transferrin-conjugated liposomes to an orthotopic model of lung cancer in nude rats.

Abstract Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Pulmonary anticancer therapy might offer several advantages over systemic delivery, leading to an increased exposure of the lung tumor to the drug, while minimizing side effects, due to regional containment. Here, we studied if a combination of inhalation therapy and drug targeting holds potential as an even more efficient lung cancer therapy. Methods: Transferrin (Tf )-conjugated PEG liposomes loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) were administered using an intracorporeal nebulizing catheter to an orthotopic lung cancer model established in athymic Rowett nude rats. Different DOX formulations and doses (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) were tested and the influence on tumor progression and life span of rats was evaluated in comparison with the i.v. administration of Tf–PEG–liposomes loaded with DOX at a therapeutic dose of 2 mg/kg. Results: Rats in the untreated control group showed significant weight loss 2 weeks after tumor induction and died b...