The development of controlled-chemotherapy drug delivery system

The aim of this thesis was to develop biodegradable devices loaded with chemotherapy drug. The system is targeted for advanced ovarian cancer treatment through the intraperitoneal (IP) route of administration. Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) was selected as the model biodegradable polymer to produce drug-loaded microsphere, hollow and solid fibres. Copolymer PLGA with three different lactic:glycolic acids ratios; 50:50, 65:35 and 75:25 were used in order to compare their drug loading capacities and in vitro drug release profiles. Cisplatin, a cytotoxic drug with proven activity against ovarian cancer was selected as the model chemotherapy drug. Intraperitoneal administration is often associated with abdominal pain therefore a local anaesthetic, lidocaine, was selected for the purpose of pain relief.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo