Investigation of anti-tumor effect of doxorubicin-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles prepared by a desolvation technique

Purpose: Nanoparticles of human serum albumin (HSA) prepared using a desolvation method possess sizes suitable for tumor accumulation. Here, we report on an investigation of the anti-tumor effects and biodistribution of doxorubicin–HSA nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles was evaluated in 2D and 3D colon 26 cell cultures. Furthermore, the biodistribution and the anti-tumor activity of nanoparticles in colon 26-bearing mice were investigated. Assessments on the effect on metastasis and the toxicity were also carried out. Results: Doxorubicin–HSA nanoparticles showed cytotoxicity in colon 26 cancer cell cultures, although the cytotoxicity was less in the case of nanoparticles than in free doxorubicin. In vivo anti-tumor activity was more pronounced in nanoparticles despite the fact that their accumulation in tumors was not superior to that of free doxorubicin, suggesting that factors other than accumulation contribute to the enhanced anti-tumor activity of these nanoparticles. The administration of nanoparticles also resulted in the suppression of metastasis. Conclusions: The prepared nanoparticles appear to be effective for cancer therapy although further studies will be needed to clarify the details of anti-tumor activity and the toxicity of these nanoparticles.