Development of a Liposomal Formulation of Acetyltanshinone IIA for Breast Cancer Therapy

Abstract Acetyltanshinone IIA (ATA), synthesized in our group exhibiting good anti-breast cancer effects, is expected to replace the commonly used anti-ER+ breast cancer (breast cancer cells overexpressing the estrogen receptor) drug tamoxifen. To promote the clinical progress of ATA, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes were used to encapsulate ATA along with improving its bioavailability and in vivo anticancer efficiency. The resulting liposomal ATA exhibited a spherical shape with an average size of 188.5 nm. In vitro evaluations showed that liposomal ATA retained the anti-breast cancer efficacy of ATA while exerting much less cytotoxicity toward noncancerous cells. Significantly, pharmacokinetics analysis showed that the AUC0–24h of liposomal ATA was 59 times higher than that of free ATA, demonstrating increased bioavailability of ATA. Preclinical experiments demonstrated that liposomal ATA reduced the growth of ER-positive human breast tumor xenografts by 73% in nude mice, and the liposomal ATA exhibited a much lower level of toxicity than that of free ATA with respect to zebrafish larval mortality, body formation, and heart function during development. Moreover, 7-day and 21-day tissue toxicity levels were determined in mice by intravenous administration of a maximum dosage of liposomal ATA (120 mg/kg). The results showed no obvious tissue damage in major organs, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain. In summary, we have developed a clinical formulation of liposomal ATA with the high bioavailability and potent efficacy for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer.