Double-layered stick-type formulation of bleomycin for treatment of uterine cervical cancer.

The possibility of continuous release over one week of drugs applied topically was investigated using new stick-type formulations of Brilliant Blue (BB) or bleomycin hydrochloride (BLM). Double-layered sticks of BB or BLM able to adhere to mucosa were prepared by direct compression of the drug, hydroxypropylcellulose-H (HPC) and a carboxyvinyl polymer (Carbopol 934). Drug release in vitro from the sticks was delayed by increasing the weight of the outer layer or the amount of HPC in the outer layer. The sustained release achieved with a double-layered stick having a core coated with an acrylate copolymer (MPM) suggests the possibility of once-a-week treatment of uterine cervical cancer.