Delivering anti-cancer drugs through the ducts

A trial of 17 breast cancer patients found that delivering a chemotherapy drug directly into the nipple resulted in more drug remaining within the breast increasing efficiency.

By using a catheter placed into the nipple, formulations of breast cancer drugs can be infused into the breasts. The effectiveness of four anti-cancer drugs being administered in this way were examined and the researchers from John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that 5-flourouracil (5FU) in comparison to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) shrank breast tumours efficiently and spared breast ducts from damage caused by other anti-cancer drugs which can destroy the ductal lining.

By delivering chemotherapy drugs via an intraductal route in comparison to intravenous drug administration higher concentrations of the drugs are found in the breast reducing the quantities of drugs circulating in the blood.

A fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
A tube used either to drain fluid from the body or to introduce fluid into the body. Full medical glossary
The use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. Full medical glossary
Within a vein. Full medical glossary
A large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Full medical glossary
An abnormal swelling. Full medical glossary
Relating to the veins. Full medical glossary