Use of asymmetric multilayer polylactide nanofiber mats in controlled release of drugs and prevention of liver cancer recurrence after surgery in mice

Local tumor recurrence remains a major clinical problem following surgical treatment for most cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An implantable local drug delivery system may be suitable for addressing this unmet clinical need. In this study, asymmetric multilayer polylactide nanofiber (AMPN) mats were prepared and a one-sided and prolonged release profile of hydrophilic dye or oxaliplatin was observed after they were sandwiched between two liver lobes in mice. Covering the surgery site by drug-loaded AMPN mat after tumor resection, in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC model in mice, the recurrence of HCC was significantly retarded and the survival time of mice was markedly prolonged. In conclusion, post-surgical therapy at tumor resection margins by drug-loaded AMPN mats may represent a suitable application of nanofiber-based local chemotherapy