Divergent effects of topical deferoxamine treatment on skin and cancer cells uncovers its potential as a safe radioprotective agent in oncological applications.

BACKGROUND: Deferoxamine Intradermal Delivery Patch (DIDP; TauTona Group) represents a novel experimental therapeutic modality with the potential to mitigate radiation-induced skin injury in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Nonetheless, the safety profile of DIDP in oncological applications has not been extensively explored. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of DIDP on mammary tumor cell biology using a murine xenograft human breast cancer model. METHODS: A xenograft human breast cancer model was established by engrafting human-derived MCF7-Luc2 breast cancer cells into the mammary fat pads of female NCG mice. Tumor growth was monitored weekly using the Lago X Bioluminescence Imaging System. The size and volume of excised tumors were recorded. The effect of DIDP treatment on skin and tumor tissue were evaluated using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that topical deferoxamine treatment does not significantly affect tumor growth and cancer cell proliferation in a xenograft human breast cancer model, indicating its safety in oncological settings. Interestingly, mice treated with DIDP exhibited a significant increase in cancer cell apoptosis, suggesting a potential regulatory effect of DIDP on this pathway in cancer cells residing in deeper tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the use of DIDP as a safe radioprotective agent that does not enhance tumor progression. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanistic role of DIDP in regulating cancer cell apoptosis and its broader implications for cancer therapy.