Enhanced antitumor effect of camptothecin loaded in long-circulating polymeric micelles.

A water-insoluble antitumor agent, camptothecin (CPT) was successfully incorporated into polymeric micelles formed from poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(benzyl aspartate) block copolymers (CPT-loaded polymeric micelles). Antitumor effects and biodistribution of CPT-loaded micelles were evaluated in mice subcutaneously transplanted by colon 26 tumor cells. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited after a single i.v. injection of CPT-loaded polymeric micelles at doses of either 15 or 30 mg/kg. Efficacy of a single high-dose injection was comparable to low dose multiple injections. CPT loaded in polymeric micelles showed prolonged blood circulation and higher accumulation in tumors compared with CPT in solution. Polymeric micelle systems offer a stable and effective platform for cancer chemotherapy with CPT.