Development of erlotinib-loaded nanotransferosomal gel for the topical treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Aims: This study was aimed to formulate erlotinib (ERL)-loaded transferosomal gel (ERL@TG) intended for topical application for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ. Materials & methods: The optimized process involved a thin-film hydration method to generate ERL-loaded transferosomes (ERL@TFS), which was incorporated into a carbopol gel matrix to generate ERL@TG. The optimized formulation was characterized in vitro followed by cytotoxicity evaluation on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and acute toxicity and skin irritation studies was performed in vivo.

Results

In a comparative assessment against plain ERL, ERL@TG displayed enhanced efficacy against MCF-7 cell lines, reflected in considerably lower IC50 values with an enhanced safety profile.

Conclusion

Optimized ERL@TG was identified as a promising avenue for addressing ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer.