Elizabeth S Cerny

US Patent:

39937542, Nov 23, 1976

Filed:

Oct 9, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/513210

Inventors:

Yueh-Erh Rahman - Downers Grove IL
Elizabeth A. Cerny - Downers Grove IL

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy
Research and Development Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

A61K 3702

US Classification:

424177

Abstract:

An improved method is provided for chemotherapy of malignant tumors by injection of antitumor drugs. The antitumor drug is encapsulated within liposomes and the liposomes containing the encapsulated drug are injected into the body. The encapsulated drug penetrates into the tumor cells where the drug is slowly released and induces degeneration and death of the tumor cells, while any toxicity to the host body is reduced. Liposome encapsulation of actinomycin D has been found to be particularly effective in treating cancerous abdominal tumors, while drastically reducing the toxicity of actinomycin D to the host.