Novel parthenolide delivery system for cancer treatment

A delivery system for parthenolide (PTL), a potential anticancer drug, is being developed. PTL has proved to be effective at eradicating cancer cells, such as leukemic stem cells, but its low solubility limits its use. We propose a way to circumvent this problem utilizing micelles with a hydrophobic interior that will hold the PTL and a hydrophilic exterior that will be soluble in the blood stream. The micelles are comprised of polymers containing a hydrophilic block of poly (styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) and a hydrophobic block of poly(styrene) or poly(butyl acrylate). Polymers ranging from 19 to 47 kDa have been synthesized, with hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratios of 0.2 and 0.35. Micelle size is being examined to optimize PTL loading, release, and pharmacokinetics. Future work includes conjugating an antibody to the micelles through streptavidin/biotin biochemistry to allow for more specific PTL delivery to leukemic stem cells.