Using Simulated Microgravity to Enhance the Effectiveness of Nanodrug Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Cancer tissues usually present high interstitial fluid pressures (IFP) which reduce the transport of therapeutic agents by decreasing convection from blood into cancer tissues, increasing the possibility of poor treatment outcome in breast cancer [1]. The larger the molecular weight of the drug, the higher the detrimental effect of interstitial hypertension on drug delivery [2]. Several factors affect the convective transport of drugs across the vascular wall, which can be described by the Starling-Landis equation [3]. These factors include the IFP, the capillary hydrostatic pressure and the capillary and interstitial fluid (IF) colloid osmotic pressure, among others. Microgravity (or simulated gravity) exposure significantly increases the capillary osmotic pressure, which in turn compensate for increased IFP and improves the net transcapillary convection of drugs. We hypothesize that simulated gravity will improve the convection of nanoparticles in breast cancer, therefore improving drug delivery. We will address this issue by submitting mice with implanted breast tumors of human or mouse origin to simulated microgravity and measuring a number of parameters in the Starling-Landis equation, including IFP, capillary hydrostactic pressure and the capillary and IF colloid osmotic pressure. In addition, we will measure under the same conditions the convective transport of nano-particles by using dextrans of different molecular weights labeled with fluorochromes. The data obtained will provide evidence as to whether simulated microgravity improves drug convection to cancer tissues and therefore can be considered as a tool in the fight against cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA543194
Entities
People
- John A. Frangos