Clinical pharmacology of 99mTc-labeled liposomes in patients with cancer.

The pharmacokinetics, organ distribution, and 24-hr urinary excretion of negatively charged 99mTc-labeled multilamellar liposomes, composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol in a 7:3 molar ratio, were studied in seven patients with cancer. The radiolabeled liposomes were administered i.v. in three doses: 150 mg/sq m of body surface area; 300 mg/sq m; and 450 mg/sq m of lipid. The dose of 99mTc was 4.8 to 7.6 mCi per patient. The plasma disappearance curve was biphasic (half-life alpha = 5.53 min, half-life beta = 289 min), suggesting a two-compartmental model of distribution. The calculated volume of distribution indicated considerable tissue retention of liposomes. This was confirmed by body imaging. Twenty-four hr after injection, liposomes were localized in organs rich in reticuloendothelial cells, i.e., liver [44.5 +/- 9.1% (S.E.)], spleen [25.5 +/- 7.7%], lung [14.5 +/- 4.9%], and bone marrow. Although the hepatic uptake accounted for more than 40% of the total uptake, the spleen retained liposomes at a higher density. Cumulative urinary excretion of radioactivity was 13.4 +/- 1.5% over 24 hr. Liposome administration was safe and devoid of any adverse side effects. The results provide a basis for the use of liposomes as potential target-specific and safe drug carriers in the treatment of pathological conditions that involve organs rich in reticuloendothelial cells.