Enhanced uptake and improved anti-tumor efficacy of doxorubicin loaded fibrin gel with liposomal apatinib in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibited high incidence rate worldwide and the advanced CRC had a poor prognosis. Thereupon, seeking efficient treatment for CRC is critical. Apatinib is a novel vascular epithelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor with inspiring therapeutic effect in some malignant cancers. In our study, doxorubicin was mixed in fibrin gel and apatinib was encapsulated with self-synthesized liposome. The results showed liposomal apatinib (Lipo-Apatinib) could enhance the intracellular uptake of doxorubicin in vitro. Moreover, compared with doxorubicin loaded fibrin gel (DOX-FG) alone, the combination of DOX-FG and Lipo-Apatinib significantly improved the anti-tumor effect in mice CRC subcutaneous model and abdominal metastasis model Drug combination successfully inhibited tumor angiogenesis and tumor proliferation, and also promoted tumor apoptosis. Our data suggested that combined therapy of DOX-FG and Lipo-Apatinib would be a promising treatment approach for CRC.