Abstract
We have produced hybrid liposomes(HL) which are effective to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in vitro. The properties of these liposomes, such as size, membrane fluidity, phase transition temperature and hydrophobicity can be controlled by changing the composition. In this paper, inhibitory effects of hybrid liposomes composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and polyoxyethylenedodecyl ether (C12(EO)10) on the growth of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo were examined. The 50% inhibitory concentration of the hybrid liposomes composed of DMPC and C12(EO)10 (0.045 mM) was one-twelfth of that of DMPC liposomes (0.55 mM). A mouse model of carcinoma was established by intraperitoneal inoculation of 0.04 ml suspension containing 1 × 105 melanoma cells. The median survival times were 14.5 and 26.5 days in the control and treated groups, respectively. The significantly prolonged survival (183%) was obtained. These results suggest that the hybrid liposomes should be effective for the treatment of cancer.
