55P - Biodegradable and biocompatible 3D-printed scaffolds loaded with chemotherapy drugs: A new horizon for treatment of colon cancer with diffuse intraperitoneal metastasis

Background

Diffuse peritoneal metastasis is a big challenge in colorectal cancer patients. In this study, we used 3D printers to design biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds loaded with doxorubicin. We believe sustained degradation of these completely degradable scaffolds in the peritoneal cavity can cause the sustained release of the drug in this cavity and decrease the drug's systemic side effects while increasing therapeutic efficacy.

Methods

Gelatin, polyurethane, and hydroxyapatite were dissolved in acetic acid to form the scaffold dough and then doxorubicin was added. At last, this mixture was 3D printed in mesh-like cubic scaffolds with 100 μm filament diameters. The scaffolds were sutured to the internal side of the peritoneal cavity of balb/c mice suffering from diffuse intraperitoneal metastasis of CT-26 colon cancer.

Results

CT-scan images revealed complete degradation of the scaffolds after two weeks after implantation. A significant decrease in the size and number of peritoneal metastatic colonies was observed in the scaffold-implanted group in comparison with the control and intravenous doxorubicin-injected groups. The survival time of the scaffold group was considerably higher than the other groups. As the scaffold was completely biodegradable and compatible no side effects were observed during follow-up.

Conclusions

This preclinical study introduces a novel treatment for colorectal diffuse intraperitoneal metastasis with higher therapeutic efficacy in comparison with current intravenous chemotherapy. Local and sustained release of chemotherapy drugs into the peritoneal cavity due to controlled degradation of the 3D-printed scaffolds not only significantly increased the therapeutic effects of the chemotherapy drug in comparison with i.v administration method, but also decreased its systemic side effects. Taking together, further investigations are needed to improve and expand this novel method for increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs for intraperitoneal metastasis of colon and other cancers.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.