Tumor cell motility—A novel therapeutic target in bladder cancer

Abstract

We characterized the receptor of the autocrine motility factor (Int. J.Oncol. 3:801-807, 1993) and found, that tumor cell motility plays an important role not only in vitro, but also in bladder cancer patients (Cancer Res. 54:3120-3123, 1994). We developed in vitro assays which characterize the antimotility efficacy of potential anti-cancer drugs. In an experimental model of chemical induced bladder carcinoma in mice (strain B6D2FI) we found ~hat tumor proqression can be prevented by intraperitoneal application of anti-motility factors, i.e. pertussis toxine, acellular pertussis vaccine and carboxyamid amino imidazole. 41% of the mice (11/27) developed advanced bladder carcinoms (pT4) in the controlgroup. But only 6 % (7/111) of the mice which were treated with anti motility drugs were regarded as advanced tumor stage (p<0.001). Therefore we initiated a phase-II-trial in metastatic bladder cancer patients who are refractory to chemotherapy. The first patient who finished 4 cycles of antimotility therapy with acellular pertussis vaccine is in complete remission after 4 months.