Lapatinib/Paclitaxel polyelectrolyte nanocapsules for overcoming multidrug resistance in ovarian cancer

The sonication-assisted layer-by-layer (SLBL) technology was developed to combine necessary factors for an efficient drug-delivery system: (i) control of nanocolloid size within 100 - 300 nm, (ii) high drug content (70% wt), (iii) shell biocompatibility and biodegradability, (iv) sustained controlled release, and (v) multidrug-loaded system. Stable nanocolloids of Paclitaxel (PTX) and lapatinib were prepared by the SLBL method. In a multidrug-resistant (MDR) ovarian cancer cell line, OVCAR-3, lapatinib/PTX nanocolloids mediated an enhanced cell growth inhibition in comparison with the PTX-only treatment. A series of in vitro cell assays were used to test the efficacy of these formulations. The small size and functional versatility of these nanoparticles, combined with their ability to incorporate various drugs, indicates that lapatinib/PTX nanocolloids may have in vivo therapeutic applications. From the Clinical Editor: The efficacy of Lapatinib/Paclitaxel polyelectrolyte nanocapsules is described in this study in cell cultures of multidrug-resistant ovarian cancer. If in vivo studies also result in similar efficacy and low toxicity, this may represent a viable avenue to address such malignancies. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.