(119m) Polyanhydride – Chemotherapeutic Conjugate Particles as a Controlled Release Formulation

Drug ? polyanhydride conjugates improve therapy regimens as they have the advantage of maintaining drug concentration at target sites through sustained release while reducing toxic side effects and lowering dosage requirements. Here, we conjugate a front line chemotherapeutic, to a poly(ethylene glycol) - poly(sebacic anhydride) (PEG:PSA) copolymer to form micro-particles capable of delivering the active form of the drug. Particles released drug in vitro over 2 weeks, and the drug retained cytotoxic activity. Particles loaded with the anti-cancer drug suppressed growth of subcutaneous human small cell lung cancer tumor xenograft. Electron micrographs indicated a difference in the surface characteristics of the particles conjugated with and without drug. These studies demonstrate that polymer-drug conjugate particles can be utilized for controlled and sustained release of front line chemotherapeutics.