Objective The objective of the programme has been to develop drug carriers that can be used for the treatment of the sequelae of colon carcinoma.Candidate drug carrier systems containing the chemotherapeutic agent Mitomycin C have been prepared for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma. The research has encompassed tumour targeting using synthetic polymers, microspheres, emulsions and liposomes.Sufficient supplies of Mitomycin C were obtained. The various animal models and cell models that are required for the in vivo and in vitro assessment of the novel delivery systems were established and were available to the participants of the concerted action.Microspheres using different encapsulating agents (ethycellulose, polylactide coglycolide) and loaded with Mitomycin C have been prepared. Experiments have been conducted in patients where drug loaded microspheres have been injected intraarterial for the treatment of metastic disease in the liver. The microspheres gave a greatly reduced drug concentration in the systemic circulation.A carbamate pro drug of Mitomycin C, for incorporation into lipid carriers (liposomes and emulsion) has been prepared. This is now being evaluated in cell culture systems and metastases' models. A liposomal delivery system has been formulated and was tested in animal models. Polymeric conjugates of Mitomycin C were also being prepared.Colon carcinoma represents a very important problem in oncology and where the overall survival of patients has not improved significantly in recent years. The primary tumour can normally be removed successfully by surgery. However, in many cases, metastatic spread to other tissues has occurred, especially involving the liver. The objective of the Concerted Action has been to develop drug delivery systems for the treatment of metastatic disease in the liver, peritoneal cavity and lymphatic system. The Concerted Action is part of the Europe Against Cancer Programme; strategy for research on cancer therapy, namely to provide more effective systemic treatments in order to achieve rapid improvement and overall survival treatments. The drug is not morally the one of choice for treating the metastases associated with colorectal carcinoma since it can have a profound effect on the functioning of the bone marrow, in particular stem cell function. By targeting the drug to its required sites of action it should be possible to reduce greatly adverse response. The selected carrier systems are polymer conjugates, micro spheres, liposomes and emulsions.A second aim of the programme is the development of delivery systems for the parenteral administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor G-CSF. The drug has been shown clinically to protect or rescue bone-marrow function that has been compromised by chemotherapy. A bone marrow targeting system has been developed. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgerynatural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciencesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculeslipidsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology Programme(s) FP2-MHR 4C - Research and development coordination programme (EEC) in the field of medical and health research, 1987-1991 Topic(s) 3.3.1 - Drug targeting Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CON - Coordination of research actions Coordinator University of Nottingham EU contribution No data Address University Park NG7 2RD Nottingham United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data
