Targeted drug delivery of capecitabine to mice xenograft gastric cancer by PAMAM dendrimer nanocarrier

Abstract

Aims: In this study, we used an animal xenograft model of gastric cancer induction to investigate the therapeutic effects of capecitabine polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer complex against cancer, and its potential side effects. Methods and Materials: Human gastric cancer tissue was obtained from patients with gastric carcinoma and transplanted into mice. Anticancer drug capecitabine was loaded into PAMAM dendrimer nano-carrier and injected into the animals. All animals received cyclosporine before the surgery. Results: Capecitabine-dendrimer complex reduced the size of the axillary implanted tumor, the levels of AST and ALP, and the drug-induced adverse effects on other body organs. Furthermore, it increased apoptotic and necrotic responses in the grafted tumor, RBC, WBC, and platelet counts in comparison to free capecitabine. Conclusions: In the gastric cancer setting, PAMAM dendrimer drug delivery method effectively improved therapeutic index and outcomes, and reduced undesirable side-effects of the capecitabine. Keywords: Gastric cancer, Xenograft, Capecitabine, Cyclosporine, Poly amidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM), Mice.