Early Immunologic Response of Irreversible Electroporation versus Cryoablation in a Rodent Model of Pancreatic Cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the differences in immune responses between cryoablation and irreversible electroporation (IRE) in a preclinical mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mouse pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC-2) was implanted in the bilateral flanks of mice, and tumor-bearing mice were divided into 6 groups. One of the tumors was ablated either with contact cryoablation using an argon-cooled cryoablation probe for 1 minute at 5% power or by IRE for a total of 64 100-µs-duration, 1250-V/cm2 pulses with 100-ms spacing. The contralateral tumors in the same animal served as controls. At immediate, 6, 12, and 24 hours after ablation, the tumors were processed for immunostaining with F480 (macrophages), CD3 (T cells), and CD-56 (natural killer cells) antibodies. RESULTS: CD3 staining demonstrated significantly more T cells in the IRE group than in the cryoablation group at 6 hours (45 vs 16; P = .027), 12 hours (67 vs 33; P = .020), and 24 hours (161 vs 94; p = .003), with almost a 2-fold increase at every time point. Although the mean number of natural killer cells in the treated tumors was higher, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups at any of the time points. A significant difference was observed in F480 positivity between the cryoablation group and the IRE group at 12 hours (210 vs 356; P = .0004) and 24 hours (220 vs 328; P = .04), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, IRE evokes a more robust infiltration of macrophages and T cells than cryoablation within 24 hours.

Biofunctionalized Hybrid Magnetic Gold Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Photothermal Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

Purpose To demonstrate that anti-MG1 conjugated hybrid magnetic gold nanoparticles (HNPs) act as a catalyst during photothermal ablation (PTA) of colorectal liver metastases, and thus increase ablation zones. Materials and Methods All experiments were performed with approval of the institutional animal care and use committee. Therapeutic and diagnostic multifunctional HNPs conjugated with anti-MG1 monoclonal antibodies were synthesized, and the coupling efficiency was determined. Livers of 19 Wistar rats were implanted with 5 × 106 rat colorectal liver metastasis cell line cells. The rats were divided into three groups according to injection: anti-MG1-coupled HNPs (n = 6), HNPs only (n = 6), and cells only (control group, n = 7). Voxel-wise R2 and R2* magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measurements were obtained before, immediately after, and 24 hours after injection. PTA was then performed with a fiber-coupled near-infrared (808 nm) diode laser with laser power of 0.56 W/cm2 for 3 minutes, while temperature changes were measured. Tumors were assessed for necrosis with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Organs were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to assess biodistribution. Therapeutic efficacy and tumor necrosis area were compared by using a one-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis for statistically significant differences. Results The coupling efficiency was 22 µg/mg (55%). Significant differences were found between preinfusion and 24-hour postinfusion measurements of both T2 (repeated measures analysis of variance, P = .025) and T2* (P < .001). Significant differences also existed for T2* measurements between the anti-MG1 HNP and HNP-only groups (P = .034). Mean temperature ± standard deviation with PTA in the anti-MG1-coated HNP, HNP, and control groups was 50.2°C ± 7.8, 51°C ± 4.4, and 39.5°C ± 2.0, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed significant tumor targeting and splenic sequestration. Mean percentages of tumor necrosis in the anti-MG1-coated HNP, HNP, and control groups were 38% ± 29, 14% ± 17, and 7% ± 8, respectively (P = .043). Conclusion Targeted monoclonal antibody-conjugated HNPs can serve as a catalyst for photothermal ablation of colorectal liver metastases by increasing ablation zones. © RSNA, 2017.

Measurement and Accurate Interpretation of the Solubility of Pharmaceutical Salts.

Salt formation is one of the primary approaches to improve the developability of ionizable poorly water-soluble compounds. Solubility determination of the salt candidates in aqueous media or biorelevant fluids is a critical step in salt screening. Salt solubility measurements can be complicated due to dynamic changes in both solution and solid phases. Because of the early implementation of salt screening in research, solubility measurements often are performed using minimal amount of material. Some salts have transient high solubility on dissolution. Recognition of these transients can be critical in developing these salts into drug products. This minireview focuses on challenges in salt solubility measurements due to the changes in solution caused by self-buffering effects of dissolved species and the changes in solid phase due to solid-state phase transformations. Solubility measurements and their accurate interpretation are assessed in the context of dissolution monitoring and solid-phase analysis technologies. A harmonized method for reporting salt solubility measurements is recommended to reduce errors and to align with the U.S. Pharmacopeial policy and Food and Drug Administration recommendations for drug products containing pharmaceutical salts.

An antigen-encapsulating nanoparticle platform for TH1/17 immune tolerance therapy.

Tolerogenic nanoparticles (NPs) are rapidly being developed as specific immunotherapies to treat autoimmune disease. However, many NP-based therapies conjugate antigen (Ag) directly to the NP posing safety concerns due to antibody binding or require the co-delivery of immunosuppressants to induce tolerance. Here, we developed Ag encapsulated NPs comprised of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) [PLG(Ag)] and investigated the mechanism of action for Ag-specific tolerance induction in an autoimmune model of T helper type 1/17 dysfunction - relapse-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (R-EAE). PLG(Ag) completely abrogated disease induction in an organ specific manner, where the spleen was dispensable for tolerance induction. PLG(Ag) delivered intravenously distributed to the liver, associated with macrophages, and recruited Ag-specific T cells. Furthermore, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was increased on Ag presenting cells and PD-1 blockade lessened tolerance induction. The robust promotion of tolerance by PLG(Ag) without co-delivery of immunosuppressive drugs, suggests that these NPs effectively deliver antigen to endogenous tolerogenic pathways.

Multimodal Imaging of Nanocomposite Microspheres for Transcatheter Intra-Arterial Drug Delivery to Liver Tumors.

A modern multi-functional drug carrier is critically needed to improve the efficacy of image-guided catheter-directed approaches for the treatment of hepatic malignancies. For this purpose, a nanocomposite microsphere platform was developed for selective intra-arterial transcatheter drug delivery to liver tumors. In our study, continuous microfluidic methods were used to fabricate drug-loaded multimodal MRI/CT visible microspheres that included both gold nanorods and magnetic clusters. The resulting hydrophilic, deformable, and non-aggregated microspheres were mono-disperse and roughly 25 um in size. Sustained drug release and strong MRI T2 and CT contrast effects were achieved with the embedded magnetic nano-clusters and radiopaque gold nanorods. The microspheres were successfully infused through catheters selectively placed within the hepatic artery in rodent models and subsequent distribution in the targeted liver tissues and hepatic tumors confirmed with MRI and CT imaging. These multimodal nanocomposite drug carriers should be ideal for selective intra-arterial catheter-directed administration to liver tumors while permitting MRI/CT visualization for patient-specific confirmation of tumor-targeted delivery.

Acidic pH-Triggered Drug-Eluting Nanocomposites for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Monitored Intra-arterial Drug Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Transcatheter hepatic intra-arterial (IA) injection has been considered as an effective targeted delivery technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, drug-eluting beads (DEB) were developed for transcatheter IA delivery to HCC. However, the conventional DEB has offered relatively modest survival benefits. It can be difficult to control drug loading/release from DEB and to monitor selective delivery to the targeted tumors. Embolized DEBs in hepatic arteries frequently induce hypoxic and low pH conditions, promoting cancer cell growth. In this study, an acidic pH-triggered drug-eluting nanocomposite (pH-DEN) including superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocubes and pH-responsive synthetic peptides with lipid tails [octadecylamine-p(API-l-Asp)10] was developed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-monitored transcatheter delivery of sorafenib (the only FDA-approved systemic therapy for liver cancer) to HCC. The synthesized sorafenib-loaded pH-DENs exhibited distinct pH-triggered drug release behavior at acidic pH levels and highly sensitive MR contrast effects. In an orthotopic HCC rat model, successful hepatic IA delivery and distribution of sorafenib-loaded pH-DEN was confirmed with MRI. IA-delivered sorafenib-loaded pH-DENs elicited significant tumor growth inhibition in a rodent HCC model. These results indicate that the sorafenib-pH-DENs platform has the potential to be used as an advanced tool for liver-directed IA treatment of unresectable HCC.

Characterization of CC-531 as a Rat Model of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

PURPOSE: Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases is not achievable in more than 70% of the cases. Although the liver directed therapies have become a part of the stand of care, lack of a preclinical model impedes the assessment of toxicity and therapeutic benefits attributed several candidate drugs or treatment regimens that can be designed. In the present study we aim develop and characterize a rat colorectal liver metastasis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth characteristics of CC-531 cells were determined in vitro followed by subcapsular liver implantation in syngeneic WAG/Rij rats. Tumor growth progression was followed over 3 weeks by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Growth characteristics were also assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry in harvested tumor tissues. RESULTS: The doubling time of CC-531 cells was found be under 24hrs and all the implanted rats grew tumors. US imaging showed hypoechoic masses and MRI showed contrast enhancement representing complex tumor microenvironments. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining confirmed tumor growth and uniform CD31 staining in tumor confirmed even vessel density. CONCLUSION: CC-531 can be used as a metastatic rat tumor colorectal liver metastases model with well-defined characteristics that can be readily followed by imaging whilst having a therapeutic window for interventions.

SPIO-labeled Yttrium Microspheres for MR Imaging Quantification of Transcatheter Intrahepatic Delivery in a Rodent Model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the qualitative and quantitative impacts of labeling yttrium microspheres with increasing amounts of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) material for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in phantom and rodent models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animal model studies were approved by the institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The r2* relaxivity for each of four microsphere SPIO compositions was determined from 32 phantoms constructed with agarose gel and in eight concentrations from each of the four compositions. Intrahepatic transcatheter infusion procedures were performed in rats by using each of the four compositions before MR imaging to visualize distributions within the liver. For quantitative studies, doses of 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg 2% SPIO-labeled yttrium microspheres were infused into 24 rats (six rats per group). MR imaging R2* measurements were used to quantify the dose delivered to each liver. Pearson correlation, analysis of variance, and intraclass correlation analyses were performed to compare MR imaging measurements in phantoms and animal models. RESULTS: Increased r2* relaxivity was observed with incremental increases of SPIO microsphere content. R2* measurements of the 2% SPIO-labeled yttrium microsphere concentration were well correlated with known phantom concentrations (R(2) = 1.00, P < .001) over a broader linear range than observed for the other three compositions. Microspheres were heterogeneously distributed within each liver; increasing microsphere SPIO content produced marked signal voids. R2*-based measurements of 2% SPIO-labeled yttrium microsphere delivery were well correlated with infused dose (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.98; P < .001). CONCLUSION: MR imaging R2* measurements of yttrium microspheres labeled with 2% SPIO can quantitatively depict in vivo intrahepatic biodistribution in a rat model.

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for MRI-monitored delivery of sorafenib in a rabbit VX2 model.

Transcatheter arterial embolization and chemoembolization are standard locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, these can result in tumor hypoxia, thus promoting tumor angiogenesis. The anti-angiogenic agent sorafenib is hypothesized to improve outcomes; however, oral administration limits patient tolerance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to fabricate poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for local sorafenib delivery to tumors during liver-directed embolotherapies. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) were co-encapsulated for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of microsphere delivery. Microspheres were fabricated using a double emulsion/solvent evaporation method and characterized for size, sorafenib and IONP content, and MRI properties. MRI was performed before and after intra-arterial microsphere infusions in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model. The microspheres were 13 microns in diameter with 8.8% and 0.89% (w/w) sorafenib and IONP, respectively. 21% and 28% of the loaded sorafenib and IONP, respectively, released within 72 h. Rabbit VX2 studies demonstrated that sorafenib microspheres normalized VEGFR 2 activity and decreased microvessel density. Quantitative MRI enabled in vivo visualization of intra-hepatic microsphere distributions. These methods should avoid systemic toxicities, with MRI permitting follow-up confirmation of microsphere delivery to the targeted liver tumors.

Percutaneous ultrasound guided implantation of VX2 for creation of a rabbit hepatic tumor model.

Creation of a VX2 tumor model has traditionally required a laparotomy and surgical implantation of tumor fragments. Open surgical procedures are invasive and require long procedure times and recovery that can result in post-operative morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to report the results of a percutaneous ultrasound guided method for creation of a VX2 model in rabbit livers. A total of 27 New Zealand white rabbits underwent a percutaneous ultrasound guided approach, where a VX2 tumor fragment was implanted in the liver. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess for tumor growth and necropsy was performed to determine rates of tract seeding and metastatic disease. Ultrasound guided tumor implantation was successful in all 27 rabbits. One rabbit died 2 days following the implantation procedure. Two rabbits had no tumors seen on follow-up imaging. Therefore, tumor development was seen in 24/26 (92%) rabbits. During the follow-up period, tract seeding was seen in 8% of rabbits and 38% had extra-hepatic metastatic disease. Therefore, percutaneous ultrasound guided tumor implantation safely provides reliable tumor growth for establishing hepatic VX2 tumors in a rabbit model with decreased rates of tract seeding, compared to previously reported methods.

MRI visible drug eluting magnetic microspheres for transcatheter intra-arterial delivery to liver tumors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible amonafide-eluting alginate microspheres were developed for targeted arterial-infusion chemotherapy. These alginate microspheres were synthesized using a highly efficient microfluidic gelation process. The microspheres included magnetic clusters formed by USPIO nanoparticles to permit MRI and a sustained drug-release profile. The biocompatibility, MR imaging properties and amonafide release kinetics of these microspheres were investigated during in vitro studies. A xenograft rodent model was used to demonstrate the feasibility to deliver these microspheres to liver tumors using hepatic transcatheter intra-arterial infusions and potential to visualize the intra-hepatic delivery of these microspheres to both liver tumor and normal tissues with MRI immediately after infusion. This approach offer the potential for catheter-directed drug delivery to liver tumors for reduced systemic toxicity and superior therapeutic outcomes.

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for MRI-monitored transcatheter delivery of sorafenib to liver tumors.

The multi-kinase inhibitor (MKI) sorafenib can be an effective palliative therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, patient tolerance is often poor due to common systemic side effects following oral administration. Local transcatheter delivery of sorafenib to liver tumors has the potential to reduce systemic toxicities while increasing the dose delivered to targeted tumors. We developed sorafenib-eluting PLG microspheres for delivery by intra-hepatic transcatheter infusion in an orthotropic rodent HCC model. The particles also encapsulated iron-oxide nanoparticles permitting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of intra-hepatic biodistributions. The PLG microspheres (diameter≈1µm) were loaded with 18.6% (w/w) sorafenib and 0.54% (w/w) ferrofluid and 65.2% of the sorafenib was released within 72h of media exposure. In vitro studies demonstrated significant reductions in HCC cell proliferation with increasing doses of the sorafenib-eluting microspheres, where the estimated IC50 was a 29µg/mL dose of microspheres. During in vivo studies, MRI permitted intra-procedural visualization of intra-hepatic microsphere delivery. At 72h after microsphere infusion, microvessel density was significantly reduced in tumors treated with the sorafenib-eluting microspheres compared to both sham control tumors (by 35%) and controls (by 30%). These PLG microspheres offer the potential to increase the efficacy of molecularly targeted MKI therapies while reducing systemic exposures via selective catheter-directed delivery to HCC.

Drug carrier nanoparticles that penetrate human chronic rhinosinusitis mucus.

No effective therapies currently exist for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a persistent inflammatory condition characterized by the accumulation of highly viscoelastic mucus (CRSM) in the sinuses. Nanoparticle therapeutics offer promise for localized therapies for CRS, but must penetrate CRSM in order to avoid washout during sinus cleansing and to reach underlying epithelial cells. Prior research has not established whether nanoparticles can penetrate the tenacious CRSM barrier, or instead become trapped. Here, we first measured the diffusion rates of polystyrene nanoparticles and the same nanoparticles modified with muco-inert polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings in fresh, minimally perturbed CRSM collected during endoscopic sinus surgery from CRS patients with and without nasal polyp. We found that uncoated polystyrene particles, previously shown to be mucoadhesive in a number of human mucus secretions, were immobilized in all CRSM samples tested. In contrast, densely PEGylated particles as large as 200 nm were able to readily penetrate all CRSM samples from patients with CRS alone, and nearly half of CRSM samples from patients with nasal polyp. Based on the mobility of different sized PEGylated particles, we estimated the average pore size of fresh CRSM to be at least 150 ± 50 nm. Guided by these studies, we formulated mucus-penetrating particles composed of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and Pluronics, two materials with a long history of safety and use in humans. We showed that these biodegradable particles are capable of rapidly penetrating CRSM at average speeds up to only 20-fold slower than their theoretical speeds in water. Our findings strongly support the development of mucus-penetrating nanomedicines for the treatment of CRS.