Study of the antitumor activity of the liposomal form of the glycolysis inhibitor iodoacetate in the Lewis lung carcinoma model

Topicality. The altered glucose metabolism in cancer cells, known as the Warburg effect, is a new area of research of anticancer agents [1]. To date, many compounds have been identified that address the glucose metabolism. However, many of them failed at the early stages of clinical trials, demonstrating systemic toxicity [2, 3]. The glycolysis inhibitor iodoacetate (IA) has a good antitumor effect, but, like other glycolysis inhibitors, it has an unsafe profile. Liposomes (LS) are a good element to provide the required targeted delivery and reduce the systemic toxicity of drugs. The aim of our study was to identify the effect of iodoacetate encapsulation in liposomes made on its antitumor properties and assess the systemic toxicity thereof. Methods. LS were prepared by extrusion. The dose of IA encapsulated in drugs was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. The toxic effect was assessed by biochemical blood markers. The antitumor and antimetastatic activity was studied in a Lewis carcinoma model using short-term (4 days) and two-week long-term regimens.