A model for evaluating selective delivery of plasmid DNA to tumours via the vasculature.

A comparative study of plasmid DNA delivery in a newly established rat renal solid tumour model was undertaken. Free plasmid, plasmids bound to microspheres, and plasmids complexed with liposomes were selectively delivered to tumours via arterial catheterisation. Forty-eight hours post delivery, tumour to normal kidney tissue chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression ratios were as follows: free (1.8:1), microspherical (3.9:1), and liposomal (1.2:1). Microspheres were able to selectively deliver the plasmids to tumours, whereas cationic liposomes distributed the plasmids to both kidney parenchymal and tumour cells. This tumour model has the potential of screening delivery vehicles as well as therapeutic agents for the capacity of selective delivery to tumours via the vasculature.