Development of a nanocrystalline Paclitaxel formulation for HIPEC treatment.

PURPOSE: To develop a nanocrystalline paclitaxel formulation with a high paclitaxel-to-stabilizer ratio which can be used for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: Paclitaxel (PTX) nanocrystals were prepared via wet milling using Pluronic F127(®) as stabilizer. The suitability of paclitaxel nanosuspensions for HIPEC treatment was evaluated by analyzing the cytotoxicity of both stabilizer and formulation, and by determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and bioavailability. The effect on tumor growth was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at day 7 and 14 after HIPEC treatment in rats with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin. RESULTS: Monodisperse nanosuspensions (±400 nm) were developed using Pluronic F127(®) as single additive. The cytotoxicity and MTD of this nanocrystalline formulation was similar compared to Taxol(®), while its bioavailability was higher. MRI data after HIPEC treatment with a PTX nanocrystalline suspension showed a significant reduction of tumor volume compared to the non-treated group. Although no significant differences on tumor volume were observed between Taxol(®) and the nanosuspension, the rats treated with the nanosuspension recovered faster following the HIPEC procedure. CONCLUSION: Nanosuspensions with a high paclitaxel-to-stabilizer ratio are of interest for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin via HIPEC.