Evaluation of lymphatic metastasis using calcium phosphate/cisplatin nanoconjugates

A new targeted therapy has been developed to deliver chemotherapy directly to the lymph nodes for treatment of lymphatic metastasis. Localization of the treatment was accomplished by using calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles as the delivery vehicle. The CaP-nano conjugates, with adsorbed chemotherapy on the particle exterior, were injected into mouse primary tumors known to metastasize to the draining lymph node. Systemically treated mice were used as controls (cisplatin given intraperioneally). Fourteen days after treatment, the draining lymph nodes were collected and analyzed for the presence of metastasis using a clonogenic assay. Results show that CaP-nano conjugates are as effective as conventional systemic therapy while exhibiting less toxic side-effects.