Proceedings of nanoGe Spring Meeting 2022 (NSM22)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.nsm.2022.370
Publication date: 7th February 2022
Patients diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumor form, only have a poor survival rate of only 15 months, despite combined standard treatment of maximal safe resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, various clinical attempts with novel chemotherapeutics did not result in increased life expectancy, as these drugs are often shielded by the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Therefore, we developed a novel approach based on organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) to bypass the BBB and allow treatment with much more potent chemotherapeutics. The principle of this technology is based on electrophoresis, where electrically, spatiotemporal controlled delivery and dosing of chemotherapeutic drugs (Gemcitabine or GEM) via an ion-exchange (hyperbranched polyglycerols (HPGs)) is achieved with high precision. We have recently shown that apoptosis and disintegration of microtumors in vitro is induced by this chemo OEIP technology1. To investigate this promising bioelectronic device as a new chemo drug delivery method for brain tumor treatment in-vivo, we now established an 3R (reduce, replace, recycle) animal model. Herein, the Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay (CAM) was used to cultivate vascularized GBM tumors that were treated with Iontronic Pumps filled with a chemotherapeutic drug (GEM). After electronically controlled treatment, we analyzed the tumor area histologically and immunohistochemically. In control conditions, indeed U87 GBM tumor cells generate rapidly growing and highly vascularized, solid tumors on CAM. Remarkable, treatment with Gemcitabine Iontronic Pump significantly interfered in tumor growth combined with apoptotic areas already within few days of treatment. Using this 3R cancer animal model I will discuss improved treatment of glioblastoma treatment with the Iontronic Pump.