Pluronic F-127 gels as a vehicle for topical administration of anticancer agents.

Pluronic F-127 (a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene surface-active block copolymer) was evaluated as a vehicle substance for topical administration of anticancer agents. 5-Fluorouracil and adriamycin were used in this evaluation. The effects of the concentration of Pluronic F-127, temperature, and the drug concentration on the release were studied by means of an in vitro release method using a cellulose membrane. With increasing concentration of Pluronic F-127 in the vehicle a corresponding decrease in the apparent release rate of the anticancer agents occurred. The apparent release rate increased with increasing temperature from 30 to 44°C. Increase in drug concentration increased the drug release rate. The Pluronic F-127 gels appeared to have good potential for use in topical drug delivery systems since they exhibit reverse thermal gelation behavior and have good drug release characteristics and low toxicity.