Biodistribution and Efficacy of Low Temperature-Sensitive Liposome Encapsulated Docetaxel Combined with Mild Hyperthermia in a Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer

Purpose

Low temperature sensitive liposome (LTSL) encapsulated docetaxel were combined with mild hyperthermia (40–42°C) to investigate in vivo biodistribution and efficacy against a castrate resistant prostate cancer.

Method

Female athymic nude mice with human prostate PC-3 M-luciferase cells grown subcutaneously into the right hind leg were randomized into six groups: saline (+/? heat), free docetaxel (+/? heat), and LTSL docetaxel (+/? heat). Treatment (15 mg docetaxel/kg) was administered via tail vein once tumors reached a size of 200-300 mm³. Mice tumor volumes and body weights were recorded for up to 60 days. Docetaxel concentrations of harvested tumor and organ/tissue homogenates were determined by LC-MS. Histological evaluation (Mean vessel density, Ki67 proliferation, Caspase-3 apoptosis) of saline, free Docetaxel and LTSL docetaxel (+/? heat n?=?3–5) was performed to determine molecular mechanism responsible for tumor cell killing.

Result

LTSL/heat resulted in significantly higher tumor docetaxel concentrations (4.7-fold greater compared to free docetaxel). Adding heat to LTSL Docetaxel or free docetaxel treatment resulted in significantly greater survival and growth delay compared to other treatments (p?10% and were not statistically different from each other. Molecular markers such as caspase-3 were upregulated, and Ki67 expression was significantly decreased in the chemo-hyperthermia group. Vessel density was similar post treatment, but the heated group had reduced vessel area, suggesting thermal enhancement in efficacy by reduction in functional perfusion.

Conclusion

This technique of hyperthermia sensitization and enhanced docetaxel delivery has potential for clinical translation for prostate cancer treatment.