ABSTRACT
This study aims at preparing and evaluating lapatinib-loaded polymeric micelles for the better treatment of breastcancer (BC). LP-loaded polymeric micelles (LP-PMs) were prepared as per our previous studies by using Soluplus®as the polymer. Therefore, we employed the lyophilization technique using mannitol as a cryoprotectant and furtherconducted in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy studies, in addition to our previously reported works. We found thatthe lyophilized LP-PMs were sufficiently stable and retained encapsulated drugs. Furthermore, their smooth surfacewas visualized on the atomic force microscopy. The X-ray powder diffractogram of LP-PMs showed successfulencapsulation of Lapatinib; however, the presence of few drug molecules on the surface was evidenced by energydispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, LP-PMs showed sustained release of drugs, with selective drug release in anacidic environment, resembling that of a tumor. The LP-PMs exhibited higher cytotoxicity against SKBr3 BC cellsand also induced effective inhibition of the growth of the tumor in vivo when compared to that of lapatinib solutionand marketed formulation. The results of this study indicate the greater potential of LP-PMs for the efficient treatmentfor BC