In experiments using cells for treatment, 293 cells expressing IL12, GMCSF or IL2 were digested and resuspended in complete DMEM medium at a density of 1.5 × 105 293-IL12 + 1.5 × 105 293-GMCSF +1.5 × 105 293-IL2/45 μl. After the addition of 1.5 μl 2 M CaCl2, 45 μl of 1.5% alginate (Sigma Aldrich, A0682) solution was added and mixed immediately to form hydrogel, which was slowly injected into tumors at 1.5 μl/mm2 using a 29G insulin syringe (Becton).
In experiments using cytokine solution for treatment, 45 μl of solution containing 15 μl of each cytokine were mixed with 45 ul of 3% chitosan (Chitosan glutamate, Protosan G 213, NovaMatrix) solution. Next, the chitosan/cytokine solution was slowly injected into tumors at 1.5 μl/mm2 using a 29G insulin syringe.
At the signs of disease progression, e.g., tumor size increase or new nodule appearance, additional injections were conducted until the tumor reached 12 mm in diameter.
A fifty-week-old BALB/c mouse bearing a 10 mm × 10 mm spontaneous tumor at ear root was intratumorally injected with 100 μl of chitosan/IL12 + GMCSF+IL2.