Interstitial
chemotherapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of
glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of primary
brain cancer, by enhancing drug biodistribution to the
tumor and avoiding systemic toxicities. The use of new
polymer structures that extend the release of
cytotoxic agents may therefore increase survival and prevent recurrence. A novel core-sheath fiber loaded with the drug
carmustine (
BCNU) was evaluated in an in vivo
brain tumor model. Three-dimensional discs were formed from coaxially electrospun fiber membranes and in vitro
BCNU release kinetics were measured. In vivo survival was assessed following implantation of discs made of compressed core-sheath fibers (NanoMesh) either concurrently with or five days after intracranial implantation of 9L
gliosarcoma. Co-implantation of NanoMesh and 9L
gliosarcoma resulted in statistically significant long-term survival (>150 days). Empty control NanoMesh confirmed the safety of these novel implants. Similarly, Day 5 studies showed significant median, overall, and long-term survival rates, suggesting optimal control of
tumor growth, confirmed with histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Local
chemotherapy by means of biodegradable NanoMesh implants is a new treatment paradigm for the treatment for
brain tumors. Drug delivery with coaxial core-sheath structures benefits from high drug loading, controlled long-term release kinetics, and slow
polymer degradation. This represents a promising evolution for the current treatment of GBM.