Targeting liposomes to tumor endothelial cells for neutron capture therapy

Appl Radiat Isot. 2004 Nov;61(5):963-7. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.05.020.

Abstract

The aim of our work is to target (10)B to the tumor vasculature for neutron capture therapy (NCT). Alpha (v)-integrin specific RGD-peptides were coupled to liposomes that encapsulated dodecahydrododecaborate. These RGD-liposomes strongly associated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) expressing this integrin and were internalized. Proliferating HUVEC proved sensitive to treatment with gamma-irradiation resulting in decreased cell viability and pronounced inhibition of DNA-synthesis with increasing dose. Irradiation of RGD-(10)B-liposome incubated HUVEC with neutrons strongly inhibited endothelial cell viability. These results suggest that efficient NCT can be achieved by targeting (10)B-liposomes to angiogenic endothelium in tumors.

MeSH terms

  • Boron / administration & dosage
  • Boron Neutron Capture Therapy / methods*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA, Neoplasm / biosynthesis
  • Endothelium, Vascular / radiation effects*
  • Gamma Rays / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Isotopes / administration & dosage
  • Liposomes
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / radiotherapy
  • Oligopeptides / administration & dosage

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Isotopes
  • Liposomes
  • Oligopeptides
  • arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid
  • Boron