Microsynchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-SR-XRF) is an X-ray procedure that utilizes synchrotron radiation as an excitation source. μ-SR-XRF is a rapid, nondestructive technique that allows mapping and quantification of metals and biologically important elements in cell or tissue samples. Generally, the intratumor distribution of nanocarrier-based therapeutics is assessed by tracing the distribution of a labeled nanocarrier within tumor tissue, rather than by tracing the encapsulated drug. Instead of targeting the delivery vehicle, we employed μ-SR-XRF to visualize the intratumoral microdistribution of oxaliplatin (l-OHP) encapsulated within PEGylated liposomes. Tumor-bearing mice were intravenously injected with either l-OHP-containing PEGylated liposomes (l-OHP liposomes) or free l-OHP. The intratumor distribution of l-OHP within tumor sections was determined by detecting the fluorescence of platinum atoms, which are the main elemental components of l-OHP. The l-OHP in the liposomal formulation was localized near the tumor vessels and accumulated in tumors at concentrations greater than those seen with the free form, which is consistent with the results of our previous study that focused on fluorescent labeling of PEGylated liposomes. In addition, repeated administration of l-OHP liposomes substantially enhanced the tumor accumulation and/or intratumor distribution of a subsequent dose of l-OHP liposomes, presumably via improvements in tumor vascular permeability, which is also consistent with our previous results. In conclusion, μ-SR-XRF imaging efficiently and directly traced the intratumor distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient l-OHP encapsulated in liposomes within tumor tissue. μ-SR-XRF imaging could be a powerful means for estimating tissue distribution and even predicting the pharmacological effect of nanocarrier-based anticancer metal compounds.
Keywords: intratumor distribution; liposomes; microsynchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-SR-XRF); oxaliplatin; tumor sections.