USE OF TAUROLIDINE OR TAURULTAM FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A MEDICAMENT FOR THE PREVENTION OF METASTASES

Abstract: The invention provides the use of taurolidine or taurultam solutions to prevent or reduce metastatic growth. This is of particular application in preventing or reducing the incidence of metastatic growth following surgery, particularly following the use of trocars during minimal invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Description: USE OF TAUROLIDINE OR TAURULTAM FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A MEDICAMENT FOR THE PREVENΗON OF METASTASES This invention relates to a method for preventing metastases, in particular to a method for preventing metastatic growth of malignant tumours. More particularly it relates to a method for preventing metastatic growth following surgery, and especially minimally invasive abdominal surgery, such as endoscopic, e.g. laparoscopic, surgery. Malignant tumours within the body, and particularly the abdomen are frequently removed surgically. The exploration and excision of tumours by major invasive surgery has been used for many years but, more recently, minimal invasive surgery has increasingly been used. A wide range of indications of malignant tumours exist for which invasive surgery, such as laparotomy or laparoscopy, may used. These include, but are not restricted to, the following: oesophagus carcinoma (plaster cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma) and cardiacarcinoma; malignant degenerative ulcus; carcinoma of the stomach, antrum or corpus, malign adenoma of island cells, re-section or total gastrectomy; carcinoma of the gall duct or distal choledochus; carcinoma of the pancreas head, papilla, corpus or cauda; carcinoma of the small or large intestinal tract, sarcoma; colon malignancy: adeno carcinoma, lymphoma, malign carcinoid, melanoma, fibrosarcoma; carcinoma of the rectum; ovarial 0 carcinoma; mamma carcinoma; and prostate carcinoma. The use of minimal invasive surgery has brought with it a reduced mortality and a reduced post-operative infection rate. Classic open abdominal surgery, or laparotomy, for example, may require less operation time 5 than minimal invasive surgery, but involves long postoperative convalescence and a greater risk of infection, e.g. sepsis. One reason why minimal invasive laparoscopies are on the increase is the drastically reduced amount of time that the patient needs to spend recuperating both in hospital and at home. aparoscopy also has the advantage that there is a significant reduction in wound scars and in post-operative complications associated with wound healing. A wide range of laparoscopic procedures are in general use, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic fundoplicatio (anti-reflex surgery for gastro-oesophageal disease) , laparoscopic treatment of para-oesophageal hernia, laparoscopic treatment of abdominal cysts (e.g. liver cysts removed by cystectomy) , laparoscopic liver re-section, laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic treatment of intestinal obstruction (e.g. incarcerated hernias, colon obstruction and massively dilated small bowel obstruction), laparoscopic colo-rectal surgery (e.g. ileosacral re-section, hemicolectomy, sigma-resection, rectum prolapse and rectum amputation) , laparoscopic adhesiolysis, emergency laparoscopy (explorative diagnosis) , differential diagnosis of appendicitis, acute abdomen, ileus, abdominal trauma, and oncological queries (e.g. to determine whether or not carcinoma is operable) . One aspect of minimally invasive laparoscopies which gives rise to concern, particularly when these are used to combat abdominal malignancies, is the extent to which metastatic growth has been observed. It is now recognised that manipulation of a malignancy can result in a disturbance and release- of malignant cells which can then travel to other locations where, if they adhere and start growing, form metastases with predictably unfortunate results. This risk is lower during a classic open laparotomy, for example, so that the whole tumour is carefully excised and removed without transferring any cells to other parts of the abdomen. In a minimally invasive laparoscopy using a trocar, however, this may not be possible and disturbance of the tumour and its contact with adjacent tissues whilst being removed are inevitable. It has been found that "trocar metastases" are often a result of minimally invasive abdominal surgical procedures, e.g. laparoscopic surgery. One reason for the frequent observation of metastases following laparoscopic intervention is believed to reside in the use of the trocar tubes or sleeves, the diameters of which may range from 5 to 20 mm. These can either result in damage to malignant tissues or may otherwise come into contact with cell- rich exudate which then drips from the trocar sleeve into the abdominal cavity thereby initiating metastases. To effect the removal of re-sected organs or pieces from the abdomen, a "rescue" bag is introduced via the trocar sleeve. This is particularly so when removing inflamed re-sections or neoplastic tissue in an attempt to prevent contamination of the abdominal cavity by re- sected neoplastic cells or cell threads of the primary tumour . We have now found that the incidence of metastases following surgery, and in particular trocar metastases believed to be caused by laparoscopic operations, can be reduced if the area affected during the operation and any other internal tissue or organ with which any of the apparatus or tumour comes into contact is instilled with a solution containing taurultam, taurolidine or a mixture thereof . In studies that have been carried out on animal models, a significant suppression in the growth or spread of tumours following instillation of taurultam or taurolidine has been observed. Accordingly, viewed from one aspect, we provide the use of taurultam or taurolidine solutions to prevent or reduce metastatic growth. This is of particular application in preventing or reducing the incidence of metastatic growth following surgery, and particularly following the use of trocars during minimal invasive laparoscopic surgery, but has general application. Viewed from a further aspect, we provide the use taurolidine and/or taurultam in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention of metastases, in particular for the prevention or reduction of metastatic growth . A preferred solution will contain from 0.5 to 3% by weight of taurolidine, or from 2 to 3% by weight taurultam, depending on the solubility of the compound. Solutions containing from 0.5 to 1.0% or 2.0% taurolidine are preferred. The solutions will generally be made up in sterile pyrogen-free water and may also contain, for example, inorganic or other salts or other components to render them isotonic. Parenterally acceptable polyols may, for example, also be present since these have been observed to increase the overall intravenous tolerance of taurolidine. Suitable polyols include carbohydrates, e.g. hexoses such as glucose and fructose (or mixtures of these such as invert sugar) , pentoses such as xylose or polysaccharides such as dextran or hydrolysed starch; glycerol and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol or xylitol. The concentration of the polyol can usefully be in the range 3-40% by weight. In the case of glucose, the concentration may be in the range 10-30% by weight, preferably 20%. The solutions may also contain polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) . This may be incorporated into the solutions at a concentration of, e.g. from 4 to 7% by weight. A solution containing 5% PVP is preferred. This assists in solubilising the active substance and contributes also to the oncotic pressure of the solution. The molecular weight of the PVP should not be greater than 30,000 and is preferably less than 10,000, for example between 7000 and 9000. Kollidone 17 as sold by BASF is relatively quickly resorbed and excreted renally. The exact mode of action of taurolidine or taurultam in preventing metastatic growth under these circumstances is still not known. Without wishing to be bound by theoretical considerations, we believe that the taurolidine or taurultam is capable of altering the protein structure surface of the adhesion molecules (receptors) such as I-P-selectine and fibronectine . It is believed that over-expression of molecules such as these, and including also integrine, vitronectine and laminin, are the principal cause of metastatic development since they are believed to provide the malignant cells with the ability to migrate and adhere to other cell surfaces and endothelium, in particular to vascular endothels. The malignant cells then become sedentary, allowing themselves to grow and further develop (metastases) . Once developed, such cells are able to reach every organ either through the haematogenic or lymphatic channels (formation of metastases) . It is believed that the taurolidine or taurultam modifies the surface structure of the malignant cell in such a way that over-expression of the adhesion molecules is reduced. As a result, adhesion of the malignant cells to other cell surfaces and endothelium, e.g. to endothels, is reduced or does not occur before the cell itself dies. The active agent is not believed to have any direct cytotoxic effect on the malignant cells. Taurolidine or taurultam is also believed to prevent high cytokine levels, e.g. IL-lβ, in peritoneal fluid, which in turn prevents tumor cell proliferation and adhesions. The taurolidine or taurultam is thus being used essentially prophylactically . The taurolidine or taurultam solution may be used simply by instillation, as an aerosol (a nebulised solution of taurolidine or taurultam) and/or by intravenous infusion. When being used in conjunction with a surgical procedure, it may be administered either prior to, during or after the surgical procedure being carried out. If used as an instillation to irrigate the surgically affected area, it will be administered intra- operatively or before closure of the surgical incision. In minimal invasive surgery, the solution can be passed through the trocar tubes or sleeves. In general, in preparation for laparoscopy the abdominal wall is lifted. This may be achieved either by insufflation (pneumoperitoneum) or mechanically. Special instruments are required to raise the abdominal wall without causing damage to the intestinal loops. A Veres needle having an opening on one side through which a gas may enter the abdominal cavity is generally used for preparation of the pneumoperitoneum. Gases conventionally used for insufflation include N 2 0, C0 2 and helium which may be introduced into the abdominal cavity at a rate of up to 1 litre/min. Depending on the patient's body size and tissue tension, between 3 and 5 litres of C0 2 gas may be required. For diagnostic laparoscopy under local anaesthetic, N 2 0 is preferred since, unlike C0 2 , this does not irritate the peritoneum. Whilst not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this irritation could be one of the reasons for the more frequent appearance of metastases observed when using C0 2 . A metal suspension bar is conveniently used to lift the abdominal wall mechanically. Once inserted into the abdomen, special hooks are attached to the suspension bar and the abdomen is then raised using a chain and suspension scale. According to the type of surgical procedure, for example in minimally invasive abdominal surgery, from 100-1000 ml, preferably from 100-250 ml, of a 2%, 1% or 0.5% taurolidine solution can be instilled at body temperature and allowed to remain in the abdominal cavity after the end of the operative procedure, and before extraction of the gas used in the pneumoperitoneum (which enlarges the abdominal cavity and with which the laparoscopy starts) and final removal of the trocar. For the prophylaxis of post-operative complications, particularly trocar metastases, a 2% Taurolin, a 0.5% Taurolin-Ringer or a 2-3% taurultam solution may be used. Conveniently, the abdomen is rinsed with such a solution using a rinse-suction tube. A 5 or 10 litre rinse bag is filled with the desired rinse solution (isotonic saline or ringer solution) and hung at a height of approx. 2 m. 1-2 litres of rinse solution are then introduced through the rinse-suction tube. Following a short contact time (sufficient to ensure that the intestinal loops are completely covered by the rinse solution) the solution is then suctioned off. In cases of severe inflammation, the rinsing solution will appear opaque such that abdominal visibility using the optic and camera is poor. In such cases, this rinsing procedure must be repeated until the liquid in the abdomen is clear and translucent. When the rinsing procedure is complete and the solution is clear, the rinse bag is then filled with 250 ml 2% Taurolin (pre-warmed to 37°C) which is allowed to flow into the abdominal cavity. Finally, a drain is inserted before closure of the abdomen. In severe cases, e.g. severe peritonitis, it is possible to instill (and in some cases to leave) up to 1000 ml Taurolin 2% solution within the abdominal cavity. In place of a 2% Taurolin solution, 1-1.5 litres Taurolin- Ringer 0.5% solution or a 2-3% taurultam solution may. be used. In patients with malignant tumours it is particularly advantageous to additionally administer Taurolin 2% intravenously through a central catheter as a drop infusion, e.g. at a dosage of 4 x 250 ml per day) . If necessary, the drop infusion may be continued for 2 - 3 days following surgery. Alternatively, the 2% Taurolin solution may be instilled and suctioned off using a pressure-rinse apparatus. Another variation is to attach a pressure- cuff to the rinse bag whereby suction may be carried out using a suction-off apparatus. It is also possible to use an infusion pump as an alternative to instillation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the taurolidine or taurultam solution will be used simultaneously with heparin. The use of heparin alone has not been found significantly to influence metastatic growth but the use of heparin in conjunction with taurolidine, administered either in combination or separately, has been found to give a significant, synergistic effect. The desired dosage of heparin depends on the result of the blood coagulation test. Thus, this will vary from patient to patient but can nevertheless be readily determined by those skilled in the art. An average dosage of heparin can be expected to be in the range of • from 230 to 625 I.U. heparin-Na/kg bodyweight . In general, 5000 I.U. heparin-Na might be administered up to 2 hours prior to surgery. For use in laparoscopic surgery, standard-heparin- sodium or standard-heparin-calcium may be added to the taurolidine solution immediately prior to application. Alternatively, low molecular weight heparin may be used. Typically, 200-500 ml 0.5-1.0% Taurolin in isotonic saline or Ringer-solution may be administered in combination with 1000-5000 I.U. heparin via a trocar tube. The taurolidine-heparin solution may conveniently be applied under pressure, e.g. approx. 10-12 mm Hg, by means of a micro-pump. Administered in this way, the solution enters the abdominal cavity as an aerosol, resulting in a more widespread application of the solution to all exposed interabdominal (interior and lateral) surfaces during surgery. Administration of the solution as an aerosol also results in an increased efficacy during pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the taurolidine or taurultam solution may be used simultaneously with hyaluronic acid, e.g. with a 0.1% hyaluronic acid sodium salts pharmaceutical grade solution, preferably having a molecular weight of 2.5 x 10 b Da. Test Procedure To prevent intraperitoneal tumour growth and trocar metastases caused by laparoscopic operations, the effect of taurolidine and heparin were investigated on the growth of colon carcinoma cells (DHD/L12/TRb) in vitro, as well as in rat models. After incubation of the cells with heparin, taurolidine or both substances there followed the in vitro determination of the growth kinetics of the cells. A second experiment followed on rats (n=60) following intraperitoneal application of tumour cells and subsequently the development of a pneumoperitoneum for 30 mins . The rats were randomised into 4 groups : I Tumour cells II Tumour cells + heparin III Tumour cells + taurolidine IV Tumour cells + taurolidine + heparin Results Where the tumour growth in vitro was not affected by heparin, a significant suppression of growth was observed with taurolidine and taurolidine/heparin. In vivo, however, the intraperitoneal tumour weight compared to the control group (596 ± 278 mg) was reduced both with the instillation of heparin (298 ± 155 mg) as well as with taurolidine (149 ± 247 mg) . The combination of both substances caused a further average tumour weight reduction of (21.5 ± 36 mg) . The development of trocar metastases could be significantly suppressed using either taurolidine alone, or the combination of taurolidine and heparin. The following non-limiting examples serve to further illustrate the invention. Example 1 - laparoscopic procedure In a typical abdominal procedure, which should not be considered as limiting, a 0.5% taurolidine Ringer solution at body temperature is rinsed through the suction rinse tube under minimal pressure intra- operatively. According to the extent of surgical invasion, from 100-250 ml 2% taurolidine is instilled at 37°C and allowed to remain in the abdominal cavity on conclusion of the operative procedure. Example 2 - laparoscopic procedure A typical abdominal procedure may be carried out in accordance with Example 1, except that the 2% taurolidine solution is replaced by a 500 ml 0.5% taurolidine Ringer solution used in combination with 2500 I.U. heparin. This solution is instilled into the abdominal cavity via drains which are then clamped for 2 hours . Example 3 - laparotomy (partial pancreatectomy) In a typical treatment of pancreas head carcinoma, the operation site is meticulously rinsed with approx. 500-1000 ml warm (37°C) 0.5% Taurolin-Ringer solution. After 10 minutes contact time, the solution is suctioned off. Every 20 minutes the operation site is moistened with 100-200 ml 2% Taurolin solution using a large calibrated curved syringe. After 10-15 minutes contact time the solution is suctioned off. Before final closure of the abdominal wall, 250 ml Taurolin 2% solution* (with heparin added according to the blood coagulation results) is instilled. * Alternatively, 2-3% taurultam may be used. Example 4 - laparotomy (radical mastectomy) In a typical treatment of mamma carcinoma (radical mastectomy) , the operation site is rinsed intra- operatively every 20 minutes using 200 ml Taurolin 2% solution. If possible, a 10 minute contact time is permitted by lifting the surgical drapes thereby preventing the rinse solution from draining away too quickly. The operation wound is then closed and drained. Additionally, intraoperative per drop infusion of 250 ml 2% Taurolin solution is administered via a central catheter (dosage: 4 x 250 ml per 24 hours) . Example 5 - laparoscopic procedure In a typical abdominal procedure, a taurolidine solution is administered in the form of an aerosol. This may be achieved through the use of a micro-pump which is situated between a gas (e.g. C0 2 ) supply and the abdominal cavity in which surgery is to be performed. A tube is used to carry the aerosol into the trocar tube or sleeve. The taurolidine solution may be administered continuously as a spray during abdominal surgery, e.g. at a rate of 100 to 200 ml per hour.

Claims: Claims : 1. Use of a solution comprising taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in a method of preventing or reducing metastatic growth . 2. Use as claimed in claim 1 for preventing or reducing metastatic growth following surgery. 3. Use as claimed in claim 2 for preventing or reducing metastatic growth following minimal invasive surgery. 4. Use as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 for preventing or reducing metastatic growth following the use of trocars during laparoscopic surgery. 5. Use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the solution contains from 0.5 to 3% by weight of taurolidine or from 2 to 3% by weight of taurultam. 6. Use as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said method comprises administering said medicament separately or sequentially with heparin, a heparin derivative or hyaluronic acid. 7. Use of (i) a solution comprising taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof, and (ii) heparin, a heparin derivative or hyaluronic acid, for the manufacture of medicaments for separate or sequential administration in a method of preventing or reducing metastatic growth. 8. A pack containing a solution comprising taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof, and separately heparin, a heparin derivative or hyaluronic acid for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in a method of preventing or reducing metastatic growth. 9. A method of preventing or reducing metastatic growth in a human or non-human mammalian body, said method comprising administering to said body an effective dose of a solution comprising taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof . 10. A method as claimed in claim 9 for preventing or reducing metastatic growth following a surgical procedure in which said solution is administered prior to, during or after the surgical procedure. 11. A method as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said solution is administered by instillation or intravenous infusion. 12. A method as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said solution is administered in the form of an aerosol using a micro-pump. 13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 further comprising administering to said body separately or simultaneously heparin, a heparin derivative or hyaluronic acid. 14. A pharmaceutical composition for use in preventing or reducing metastatic growth comprising taurolidine and/or taurultam, together with heparin, a heparin derivative or hyaluronic acid.

Inventors: PFIRRMANN ROLF, PFIRRMANN, ROLF
Applicants: GEISTLICH SOEHNE AG, PETT CHRISTOPHER, PFIRRMANN ROLF, ED GEISTLICH SOEHNE AG FUER CHEMISCHE INDUSTRIE, PETT, CHRISTOPHER, PFIRRMANN, ROLF
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A61R31
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P35