Ethyl Cellulose-Ethanol-Benzoporphyrin Derivative-Lipiodol (ECE-BPD-Lipiodol) an Image-Guided Therapeutic Formulation for Localized and Locally Advanced Cancer

Abstract

Localized and locally advanced cancers (LLACs) represent a critical stage for therapeutic intervention, offering curative potential and prevention of metastatic progression. However, current treatment modalities face significant limitations due to anatomical constraints, organ-level restrictions, and patient-specific factors, necessitating innovative approaches. This work presents the development and optimization of Ethyl Cellulose-Ethanol-Benzoporphyrin Derivative-Lipiodol (ECE-BPD-Lipiodol), a novel image-guided therapeutic formulation that integrates ethanol ablation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with advanced CT imaging capabilities. Building on the previously established ECE-BPD formulation, Lipiodol, a radiopaque agent, was incorporated to enable precise 3D visualization and monitoring of therapeutic depots, addressing the limitations of fluorescence imaging. Systematic optimization identified that a 6% ethyl cellulose (EC, w/w) concentration and a 25% Lipiodol (v/v) ratio are ideal for maintaining sol-gel transition, localized therapeutic retention, and sufficient radiopacity for CT imaging. Characterization studies confirmed the formulation’s PDT activation potential, robust imaging capabilities, and therapeutic retention properties. ECE-BPD-Lipiodol represents a promising innovation for advancing locoregional therapies and improving outcomes in LLACs.