Local delivery of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres containing imatinib mesylate inhibits intracranial xenograft glioma growth.

Purpose: In an effort to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat malignant gliomas, we have designed poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microparticles that deliver imatinib mesylate, a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The local continuous release of imatinib mesylate at the tumor site overcomes many obstacles associated with systemic delivery.

Experimental Design: Polymeric microspheres were prepared from various compositions of PLGA and loaded with imatinib mesylate.