Enhanced efficacy of local etoposide delivery by poly(ether-anhydride) particles against small cell lung cancer in vivo

Drug carrier particles composed of poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(sebacic acid) (PEG–PSA) have been shown capable of efficient aerosolization into model lungs and the ability to rapidly penetrate human mucus. Here, we develop PEG–PSA particles (Etop/PEG–PSA) that encapsulate up to 40% etoposide by weight in a one step process, release it continuously for 6 days in vitro, and maintain its cytotoxic activity against a human lung tumor cell line in vitro. We further show that Etop/PEG–PSA injected intratumorally effectively suppress human lung tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model, with 100% survival after 31 days. In contrast, 0% survival was observed by day 24 in animals that received free etoposide (either intratumoral or intraperitoneal administration) or placebo particles intratumorally. These findings support PEG–PSA as a drug delivery platform for improved local therapy of cancer.