The Effectiveness of Raloxifene-Loaded Liposomes and Cochleates in Breast Cancer Therapy

Liposome (spherical vesicles) and cochleate (multilayer crystalline, spiral structure) formulations containing raloxifene have been developed having dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD) or sodium taurocholate (NaTC). Raloxifene was approved initially for the treatment of osteoporosis but it is also effective on breast tissue and endometrial cells. Raloxifene inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) enzyme, which is known to be responsible for tumor invasion and the initiation of angiogenesis during the tumor growth. Therefore, raloxifene was selected as a model drug. A series of raloxifene-loaded liposome and cochleate formulations were prepared. In vitro release studies and in vivo tests were performed. Breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were also used to find the most effective formulation. Highest antitumor activity was observed, and MMP-2 enzyme was also found to be inhibited with raloxifene-loaded cochleates containing DM-beta-CD. These developed formulations can be helpful for further treatment alternatives and new strategies for cancer therapy.