Background: Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) is a new treatment principle for tumors. Passive MDT (pMDT) uses cytostatics coupled to ferromagnetic nanoparticles, whereas in active MDT (aMDT), extracorporeal magnets are additionally placed over the tumor area. Purpose: Mitoxantrone-magnetite-dextran composite particles were used to assess the distribution and effect of MDT. Methods: We conducted two trials with n = 60 rats transfected with R₁H rhabdomyosarcoma cells. In the biodistribution trial (n = 36) mitoxantrone concentrations in tumor tissue versus plasma were measured after one or two dose administration for aMDT, pMDT, and uncoupled mitoxantrone. The dose/effect trial (n = 24) assessed change in tumor volume at day 1 and 7 days after administration of 4, 6, or 8 doses of mitoxantrone using aMDT. Results: Mitoxantrone-magnetite-dextran concentration in blood was significantly (p < 0.05) lower when using aMDT and as low as uncoupled mitoxantrone. Concentrations in tumor tissue were always significantly higher using MDT when compared to uncoupled mitoxantrone. Two doses resulted in drug accumulation inside the tumor. Tumor growth was significantly decreased with four doses using aMDT versus no treatment. Tumor size on day 8 versus day 1 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after administration of six doses of mitoxantrone-magnetite-dextran. No allergies/toxic reactions were observed. Conclusions: The MDT achieves higher levels of cytostatics in tumor tissue without increased systemic concentrations and succeeds in reducing tumor volume.

The expression 'magnetic drug targeting' is understood as meaning the targeted administration of a drug, for example, a cytostatic, with the intention of optimizing the local therapeutic effect. A magnetic field strength of 0.6 T is applied externally to the body. Iron oxides are administered intravasally into a vein. Cytostatics are bonded to the iron oxides. This form of administration, also known as sluicing, is particularly suitable for cytostatics, since the intention is to achieve a high concentration of the cytostatic at the target site (site of the tumor), but to minimize the harmful effect in the rest of the tissue. A reduction in tumor volume under the magnetic field and in the liver of 45-90% has been detected by MRI.

Die Diagnose einer Appendizitis wird durch die synoptische Bewertung von typischen Symptomen, Laborbefunden und sonographischem Befund erstellt. Die einzige Therapie ist eine zeitnahe Operation. Die Hauptursache für die Sterblichkeit an Appendizitis ist das Nicht- oder nicht rechtzeitige Erkennen. Vorgestellt wird der Fall eines 50-jährigen Mannes, der an einer nicht erkannten perityphlitischen Appendizitis mit Leberabszessen verstarb. Nur wenn eine Appendizitis sicher ausgeschlossen werden kann, ist eine Operation nicht indiziert. Das Unterlassen der chirurgischen Intervention wird von Gerichten oft als Behandlungsfehler ausgelegt. Im Zweifel sollte somit operiert werden. Appendicitis is diagnosed by synoptic evaluation of typical symptoms, laboratory tests and sonography. The only therapy is a prompt operation. The main reason for appendicitis mortality is the condition not detected or not detected in time. The case of a 50 year old male who died from a non-detected perityphlitic appendicitis with abscesses in the liver is presented. Only if appendicitis can be reliably ruled out an operation is not indicated. The not performed surgical intervention is often interpreted as a treatment error by the courts. In doubt, an operation should therefore be performed.