This project will develop a device and perform proof-of-concept studies in a rodent tumor model. The device will remove the chemotherapy agent Doxorubicin from systemic circulation after targeted delivery to tumors. Targeted delivery occurs by temperature sensitive liposomes delivering Doxorubicin to tumor regions. By exposing tumors to hyperthermia (40-42 C), drug is locally released and taken up by tumors at high dose. Following hyperthermia, any remaining drug would result in toxicity to non-targeted tissue, and is removed by the proposed extracorporeal filter device with real-time quantification of removed drug amount. If successful, this would represent a novel approach to reduce dose-limiting toxicities, allowing delivery of higher chemotherapy dose and/or reducing toxicity related side effects.
? RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH This project will develop technology that removes chemotherapy from the blood stream that has not been delivered to cancerous tumors. Thereby, toxic side effects of chemotherapy are reduced, and therapy efficacy can be enhanced since larger drug dose can be administered and delivered to tumors.
