Using Simulated Microgravity to Enhance the Effectiveness of Nanodrug Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer.

摘要

Cancer tissues usually present high interstitial fluid pressures (IFP) which reduce the transport of therapeutic agents by decreasing convection from blood into cancer tissues, increasing the possibility of poor treatment outcome in breast cancer. We have tested the hypothesis that simulated microgravity, applied to mice through hindlimb suspension, would increase capillary pressure and enhance delivery of nanoparticles to tumor tissues. We showed that hindlimb suspension increases delivery of dextrans to tumors located in fat pad no. 4 (near pelvis, above heart level when suspended) and decrease it in tumors located in fat pad no. 1 (close to the neck, below heart level when suspended). Suspension increased blood flow to tumors regardless of tumor location and caused a trend (though non-significant) for reduced growth of tumors located in fat pad no. 4 when mice were treated with doxorubicin. These data indicate that simulated microgravity may enhance delivery of nanodrugs to tumor tissues. Further studies are necessary to better characterize these findings.