Continuous Release of Cisplatin for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Technology

This invention pertains to an implantable intraperitoneal drug delivery device for the treatment of ovarian cancer. This device can be implanted and removed from the peritoneal cavity through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This approach eliminates catheter-related complications. This reservoir-based device works by allowing peritoneal fluid to enter the device and dissolve the powdered drug, releasing the drug in solution. Because the drug is in solid form within the device, the device is much smaller than would be the case if it were in solution. In addition, the stability of solid cisplatin is superior over cisplatin solution, which allows for maximum drug efficacy upon release even months after implantation.

Problem Addressed

Current standard treatment for advanced ovarian cancer entails cytoreduction surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor, followed by intravenous (IV) or intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy with a platinum-based agent such as cisplatin. Direct IP administration of cisplatin into the peritoneal cavity reaches much higher levels of drug concentration compared to IV systemic delivery; however, more than half of the patients drop out of IP chemotherapy regimen mainly because of catheter-related complications. The incidence of catheter-related complications has limited the utilization of IP chemotherapy.

Advantages

• No catheter; completely eliminates catheter-related complications
• Implantable and removable via minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
• Superior drug stability
• Maximum and long-lasting drug efficacy

Publications

Ye, H., L. M. Tanenbaum, Y. J. Na, A. Mantzavinou, G. Fulci, M. G. Del Carmen, M. J. Birrer, and M. J. Cima. "Sustained, Low-Dose Intraperitoneal Cisplatin Improves Treatment Outcome in Ovarian Cancer Mouse Models." Journal of Controlled Release 220, Pt A (December 28, 2015): 358–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.11.001.