Intracellular Hyperthermia for Cancer Using Magnetite Cationic Liposomes: An in vivo Study

Abstract

The effect of hyperthermia on solid glioma tissue formed subcutaneously in the left femoral region of female F344 rats was investigated. Magnetite cationic liposomes (MCLs), which have a positive surface charge, were used as heating mediators for intracellular hyperthermia. MCLs were injected into the solid tumors, which were then subjected to irradiation by an alternating magnetic field (118 kHz, 384 Oe). The rats were divided into four groups, which received no irradiation (control: group I), or irradiation for 30 min given once (group II), twice (group III) or three times (group IV), and the hyperthermic effect on tumor growth was evaluated. Complete tumor regression was observed in 87.5% of the rats in group IV. In the other groups, tumors completely regressed in 20 and 60% of the rats in groups II and III, respectively. Histological observations showed that in group I tumors, MCLs were localized only around the point where they were injected, while in group II tumors they were a little more dispersed. In the cases of group III and IV tumors, however, the distribution of the MCLs was found to be widespread, and necrotic cells were observed throughout almost the entire tumor tissue. The high percentage of complete regression of group IV is considered to be due to this wide distribution of the MCLs. Furthermore, the treated rats showed no severe side-effects. These results suggest that our magnetic particles are potentially effective tools for the treatment of solid tumors.

Magnetic nanomaterials for hyperthermia-based therapy and controlled drug delivery

“…Recently, a number of in vivo studies using animal models were undertaken where MNPs were injected into a tumor followed by AMF exposure and resulting changes in the tissue and organs were investigated. These include C3H mouse mammary carcinoma [63] , mouse EL4 T-lymphoma [11] , MX11 mouse sarcoma [64] , human prostate cancerous and bone marrow cells in transgenic mice [46] , EL4 mouse T-lymphoma [65] , T-9 rat glioma cells [66] , B16 mouse melanoma [67] , MM46 mammary and skin carcinoma [68] , murine B16-F10 mouse melanoma [69] , cat mammary tumor gland [70] , Os515 hamster osteosarcoma [71] , VX-7 squamous cell carcinoma in rabbit tongue [72] , DMBA induced rat mammary carcinoma [73] , and human glioma cells. [74] Most of the studies though provided positive evidence for decrease in tumor size due to hyperthermia, there is a clear lack of complete information on host and material response.…”

Magnetic hyperthermia therapy for the treatment of glioblastoma: a review of the therapy’s history, efficacy and application in humans

“…A subcutaneous fibre optic thermometer was used for intratumoural temperature measurements. In a later study, the same group subcutaneously implanted T-9 rat glioma cells into the femoral region of rats followed 11 days later by intratumoural injection of MCLs using an infusion pump [101]. The first MHT session was performed 24-h after the MNP infusion for 30 min.…”

Nanoscale Thermal Phenomena in the Vicinity of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Alternating Magnetic Fields

“…[8b] Later, Yanase et al (1998) showed similar results using magnetic cationic liposomes, observing regression of most tumors. [16] In another contribution, Yanase et al (1998) observed evidence of an antitumor immune response when tumors were treated with hyperthermia. [17] Subcutaneous tumors grown on both femurs of a rat disappeared completely after only a single side was treated.…”