In vitro and in vivo evaluation of desmopressin-loaded poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for its potential use in cancer treatment

Abstract

Aim: To develop and characterize the antitumor activity of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loaded with hemostatic and anticancer drug desmopressin (dDAVP). Materials & methods: After full physicochemical characterization, anticancer activity of dDAVP-loaded poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPdDAVP) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo on a highly aggressive breast cancer model. Results: After efficiently loading desmopressin in poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) matrix, NPdDAVP exhibited suitable physicochemical characteristics for biomedical applications. NPdDAVP displayed a potent cytostatic effect in vitro, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and colony forming ability. Moreover, intravenous treatment using nanoparticulated-dDAVP inhibited tumor progression and prolonged survival in animals bearing rapidly-growing mammary tumors. Conclusion: Within the framework of promising dDAVP repurposing studies, these findings support further preclinical development of the NPdDAVP for the management of highly aggressive cancer.