Development of a 5-fluorouracil-loaded PLGA microsphere delivery system by a solid-in-oil-in-hydrophilic oil (S/O/hO) novel method for the treatment of tumors

Tumor treatment requires a long-term regimen of chemotherapy, and both surgical tumor resection and radiation therapy are also used. The present study aimed to develop a novel method for 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded microspheres which enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy, the quality of life of patients and reduce chemotherapy systemic side-effects. The preparation of a 5-FU microsphere delivery system by a solid-in-oil-in-hydrophilic oil (S/O/hO) novel method was carried out and then in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the 5-FU-microsphere delivery system was conducted. The 5-FU microsphere delivery system prepared had sustained-release function and achieved local treatment efficacy for tumors. The encapsulation efficiency of the 5-FU microsphere delivery system was >90% [better than the fabrication method using water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W)]. The drug release profile from the 5-FU-loaded sustained-release microsphere delivery system matched the pseudo zero-order equation for 30 days in vitro. The plasma concentration of 5-FU was higher than the water solution by subcutaneous injection. The tumor growth rate of rabbits using the 5-FU microsphere delivery system was much lower than the rate in rabbit using a subcutaneous injection of 5-FU water solution. The 5-FU-loaded sustained-release microspheres using the novel method (S/O/hO) is a potential and effective method with which to inhibit tumor growth.