TRANSLATIONAL AND CLINICAL MEDICINE - Georgian Medical Journal

Background. The present study discusses a targeted delivery system based on a nanogel consisting of PEGylated fibrinogen and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) for the destruction of residual cancer cells.  Macroporous gelatin microcarrier beads (CultiSpher) were used as a carrier of platinum nanoparticles. The efficacy of nanogel was evaluated in a subcutaneous Ehrlich ascites carcinoma mice model. Material and methods. 60 male mice weighing 20-25 g were subcutaneously inoculated in the back area with Ehrlich carcinoma cells. On the 16th day after inoculation, when the size of the subcutaneous tumor reached 2x2 cm, the animals were divided into three equivalent groups. Animals of the first group were observed without treatment. In the animals of the second group, the wounds were sutured after the removal of 95% of the mass of the tumor. In animals of the third group, after removal of 95% of the mass of the tumor, the wound was filled with nanogel and then sutured. The observation period for animals was 3 months. Results. Studies have shown that the animals of the first group died on days 35-40 after subcutaneous inoculation of Ehrlich's carcinoma cells from tumor progression and invasion in the subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and the abdominal cavity. In animals of the second group, within 30 days after the removal of 95% of the mass of the tumor, a non-healing wound was formed, while a rapid progression of the residual tumor was observed. In animals of the third group, after removing 95% of the tumor mass and covering the wound with nanogel, the wound healed on days 20-25. In animals of this group during the entire period of observation, the progression of the residual tumor was not noted. The nanogel induced apoptosis, inhibited angiogenesis, and suppressed the growth of residual Ehrlich carcinoma cells. Conclusion. Targeted drug delivery system based on nanogel consisting of PEGylated fibrinogen and Pt NPs can be used to destroy residual cancer cells after cancer removal.