Targeted removal of migratory tumor cells by functionalized magnetic nanoparticles impedes metastasis and tumor progression

Aims: To slow tumor progression by reducing migratory tumor cell burden using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with ligands selective for malignant cell surface receptors. Materials & methods: Three groups of female C57BL/6 mice (control group I, control group II and experimental group) were intraperitoneally injected with a murine ovarian cancer cell line (ID8[VEGF160(+)/eGFP(+)]). Control group I received no intervention. MNPs were functionalized with ephrin-A1 mimetic peptides selective for the EphA2 receptor that is highly expressed by several cancers. Peritoneal fluids were removed by paracentesis from the experimental group and mixed with the functionalized MNPs. Magnetic filtration was used to remove particle/malignant cell conjugates and filtered peritoneal fluids were re-introduced intraperitoneally. Control group II received the same treatment as the experimental group without MNPs. Results: Experimental group tumor progression was 10.77-times slower than that of control group I. Conclusion: Reduction of malignant cell titer significantly prolonged time to end point in a metastatic ovarian cancer model.