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. We have tested the hypothesis that simulated microgravity, applied to mice through hindlimb suspension, would increase capillary pressure and enhance delivery of nanoparticles to tumor tissues. We showed that hindlimb suspension increases delivery of dextrans to tumors located in fat pad #4 (near pelvis, above heart level when suspended) and decrease it in tumors located in fat pad #1 (close to the neck, below heart level when suspended). Suspension increased blood flow to tumors regardless of tumor location and caused a trend (though non-significant) for reduced growth of tumors located in fat pad #4 when mice were treated with doxorubicin. These data indicate that simulated microgravity may enhance delivery of nanodrugs to tumor tissues. Further studies are necessary to better characterize these findings.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA573593

Entities

People

  • John Frangos

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animal Structures
  • Animals
  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Blood Flow
  • Bodies
  • Body Weight
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Convection
  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Measurement
  • Microvessels
  • Neoplasms
  • Osmotic Pressure

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech