Number Of Apoptotic Tumor Cells Research Articles

Fabrication of metformin and survivin siRNA encapsulated into polyethyleneimine-altered silk fibroin nanoparticles for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Metformin (MET) and survivin siRNA were delivered using silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs) modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI). Nanoparticle functional groups, structural, stability and physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles were determined. SFNs loaded with siRNA that had appropriate size, zeta potential, and stability were confirmed by various analytical and spectroscopical methods. The vitro cytotoxicity analysis was performed using CNE2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with different compositions, and the results showed that the newly fabricated nanoparticles effectively triggered apoptosis in CNE2. Afterward, the mice analysis was used to investigate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy. With no apparent weight loss, the co-delivery systems dramatically slowed nasopharyngeal tumor development in mice. Survivin siRNA and MET increased the number of apoptotic tumor cells on histopathology slides. Apoptosis induction in cancer cells and therapeutic effectiveness were satisfactory with the drug delivery method. In this way, it might be used as a therapeutic agent in the fight against nasopharyngeal cancer.

Reprogramming NK cells and macrophages via combined antibody and cytokine therapy primes tumors for elimination by checkpoint blockade.

SUMMARYTreatments aiming to augment immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in cancer often focus on T cell immunity, but innate immune cells may have important roles to play. Here, we demonstrate a single-dose combination treatment (termed AIP) using a pan-tumor-targeting antibody surrogate, half-life-extended interleukin-2 (IL-2), and anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), which primes tumors to respond to subsequent ICB and promotes rejection of large established tumors in mice. Natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages activated by AIP treatment underwent transcriptional reprogramming; rapidly killed cancer cells; governed the recruitment of cross-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) and other leukocytes; and induced normalization of the tumor vasculature, facilitating further immune infiltration. Thus, innate cell-activating therapies can initiate critical steps leading to a self-sustaining cycle of T cell priming driven by ICB.

Erianin inhibits human lung cancer cell growth via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Erianin is a small-molecule compound that is isolated from Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. In recent years, it has been found to have evident antitumor activity in various cancers, such as bladder cancer, cervical cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this study, we assessed the effect of erianin on lung cancer in terms of cell growth inhibition and the related mechanism. First, erianin at a concentration of less than 1 nmol/L exhibited cytotoxicity in H1975, A549, LLC lung cancer cells, did not cause marked growth inhibition in normal lung and kidney cells, induced obvious apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest of cells, and inhibited the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells in vitro. Second, in a mouse xenograft model of lewis lung cancer (LLC), oral administration of erianin (50, 35, and 10 mg kg-1 day-1 for 12 days) substantially inhibited nodule growth, reduced the fluorescence counts of lewis cells and the percentage vascularity of tumor tissues, increased the number of apoptotic tumor cells, the thymus indices, up-regulated the levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), decreased IL-10 levels and the spleen index, and enhanced immune function. Lastly, the possible targets of erianin were determined by molecular docking and verified via western blot assay. The results indicated that erianin may achieve the above effects via inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in vitro and vivo. Taken together, the results showed that erianin had obvious antitumor effects via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro and vivo and may have potential clinical value for the treatment of lung cancer.

Improved antitumor activity of cisplatin combined with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in U14 cervical carcinoma-bearing mice.

Research on anticervical cancer is urgently required to enhance clinical outcomes. As a main anticancer drug for cervical carcinoma, cisplatin (CIS) has been used for a lot of years in clinical therapy. However, serious adverse effects including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity limit its long-term treatment. Our main goal of this study is to investigate the improvement of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GPS) on CIS-induced antitumor effect of in U14 cervical carcinoma-bearing mice. The results showed that GPS + CIS could not only inhibit the growth of the tumor but also improve the spleen and thymus indexes. Moreover, little toxicological effects were observed on hepatic function and renal function in GPS + CIS treated mice bearing U14 tumor cells. Further analysis of the tumor inhibition mechanism indicated that the number of apoptotic tumor cells increased significantly, the expression of Bax increased and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased dramatically in cervical cancer sections after oral administration of GPS + CIS for 14 days. This GPS/CIS combined therapy represents intriguing therapeutic strategy for U14 cervical carcinoma providing not only superior efficacy but also a higher safety level.

Focused ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction for glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis despite advances in various treatment modalities, such as radiation therapy (RT). This study compared the tumor growth inhibition effects of focused ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) therapy with the RT using an orthotopic mouse glioma model. Mice were implanted with GL261 glioblastoma cells and divided into three groups: control group (no treatment); RT group (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week, 3 consecutive weeks); and UTMD group (FUS sonication in the presence of systemically injected microbubbles at the peak negative pressure of 1.5 MPa, frequency of 1.44 MHz, and 2 treatments/week for 3 consecutive weeks). Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed once every four days for measuring the tumor volume. Both UTMD and RT caused significant growth inhibition compared to the control group; however, there was no significant difference between the UTMD and RT groups. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining showed that the number of apoptotic tumor cells in both RT and UTMD groups were significantly higher than the control group without the difference between these two groups. This study suggests that UTMD suppressed glioblastoma tumor growth and this effect was comparable with that achieved by RT.

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease mammary tumor growth, multiorgan metastasis and enhance survival.

Epidemiological studies show a reduced risk of breast cancer (BC) in women consuming high levels of long-chain (LC) omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids (FAs) compared with women who consumed low levels. However, the regulatory and mechanistic roles of dietary ω-6 and LC-ω-3 FAs on tumor progression, metastasis and survival are poorly understood. Female BALB/c mice (10-week old) were pair-fed with a diet containing ω-3 or an isocaloric, isolipidic ω-6 diet for 16 weeks prior to the orthotopic implantation of 4T1 mammary tumor cells. Major outcomes studied included: mammary tumor growth, survival analysis, and metastases analyses in multiple organs including pulmonary, hepatic, bone, cardiac, renal, ovarian, and contralateral MG (CMG). The dietary regulation of the tumor microenvironment was evaluated in mice autopsied on day-35 post tumor injection. In mice fed the ω-3 containing diet, there was a significant delay in tumor initiation and prolonged survival relative to the ω-6 diet-fed group. The tumor size on day 35 post tumor injection in the ω-3 group was 50% smaller and the frequencies of pulmonary and bone metastases were significantly lower relative to the ω-6 group. Similarly, the incidence/frequencies and/or size of cardiac, renal, ovarian metastases were significantly lower in mice fed the ω-3 diet. The analyses of the tumor microenvironment showed that tumors in the ω-3 group had significantly lower numbers of proliferating tumor cells (Ki67+)/high power field (HPF), and higher numbers of apoptotic tumor cells (TUNEL+)/HPF, lower neo-vascularization (CD31+ vessels/HPF), infiltration by neutrophil elastase+ cells, and macrophages (F4/80+) relative to the tumors from the ω-6 group. Further, in tumors from the ω-3 diet-fed mice, T-cell infiltration was 102% higher resulting in a neutrophil to T-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) that was 76% lower (p < 0.05). Direct correlations were observed between NLR with tumor size and T-cell infiltration with the number of apoptotic tumor cells. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that tumor IL10 mRNA levels were significantly higher (six-fold) in the tumors from mice fed the ω-3 diet and inversely correlated with the tumor size. Our data suggest that dietary LC-ω-3FAs modulates the mammary tumor microenvironment slowing tumor growth, and reducing metastases to both common and less preferential organs resulting in prolonged survival. The surrogate analyses undertaken support a mechanism of action by dietary LC-ω-3FAs that includes, but is not limited to decreased infiltration by myeloid cells (neutrophils and macrophages), an increase in CD3+ lymphocyte infiltration and IL10 associated anti-inflammatory activity.

Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Delivery for Breast Tumor Therapy Through iRGD-Targeted Paclitaxel-Loaded Liposome-Microbubble Complexes.

Liposome-microbubble complexes (LMC) have become a promising therapeutic carrier for ultrasound-triggered local drug release. However, it is still desirable for the released drugs to be delivered to tumors as effectively as possible. Here, we fabricated iRGD-targeted paclitaxel-loaded liposome-microbubble complexes (iRGD-PTX-LMC) and investigated the feasibility of enhancing the local drug delivery to breast tumors by using these complexes along with ultrasound irradiation. Our results showed that iRGD-modified PTX-loaded liposomes (iRGD-PTX-PL) were successfully conjugated to the surface of microbubbles (MBs) through biotin-avidin linkage. The resulting iRGD-PTX-LMC retained the ultrasound imaging capability and showed effective ultrasound-triggered drug release. High cell affinity and enhanced drug delivery into tumor cells was confirmed for iRGD-PTX-LMC upon ultrasound exposure. Additionally, our data revealed that iRGD-PTX-LMC with ultrasound had a significantly better tumor growth inhibition effect than iRGD-PTX-PL or nontargeted PTX-LMC in not only in vitro but also in vivo studies. Histological examination indicated that the inhibition of tumor growth was caused by the increases in the drug concentration and the number of apoptotic tumor cells in tumor xenografts. In conclusion, our study revealed the great potential of iRGD-PTX-LMC as a new tool to enhance local drug delivery and significantly improve antitumor efficacy.

Protumor Steering of Cancer Inflammation by p50 NF-κB Enhances Colorectal Cancer Progression.

Although tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) display a M2-skewed tumor-promoting phenotype in most cancers, in colorectal cancer, both TAM polarization and its impact remain controversial. We investigated the role of the M2-polarizing p50 NF-κB subunit in orchestrating TAM phenotype, tumor microenvironment composition, and colorectal cancer progression. We first demonstrated, by parallel studies in colitis-associated cancer (CAC) and in genetically driven ApcMin mouse models, that the p50-dependent inhibition of M1-polarized gut inflammation supported colorectal cancer development. In accordance with these studies, p50-/- mice displayed exacerbated CAC with fewer and smaller tumors, along with enhanced levels of M1/Th1 cytokines/chemokines, including IL12 and CXCL10, whose administration restrained CAC development in vivo The inflammatory profile supporting tumor resistance in colons from p50-/- tumor bearers correlated inversely with TAM load and positively with both recruitment of NK, NKT, CD8+ T cells and number of apoptotic tumor cells. In agreement, myeloid-specific ablation of p50 promoted tumor resistance in mice, whereas in colorectal cancer patients, a high number of p50+ TAMs at the invasive margin was associated with decreased IL12A and TBX21 expression and worse postsurgical outcome. Our findings point to p50 involvement in colorectal cancer development, through its engagement in the protumor activation of macrophages, and identify a candidate for prognostic and target therapeutic intervention. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(5); 578-93. ©2018 AACR.

1183 Surgical damage to the lymphatic system promotes tumor growth via impaired adaptive immune response

Adaptive immunity plays a crucial role in tumor clearance. Both lymph nodes (LNs) and lymphatic channels from primary sites to regional LNs are critical for initiation of adaptive immunity. However, as LNs are common metastatic sites in skin cancers, LN biopsies or dissections are frequently performed. In addition, reconstructive skin flaps after tumor resection may damage lymphatic flow from primary sites to regional LNs. In this study, we developed a murine model that simulates LNs dissection or skin flap that blocks lymphatic flow from primary sites to regional LNs and monitored tumor progression. As a poor immunogenic tumor line, the growth of inoculated B16F10 melanoma into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice was not affected by these surgeries. However, the growth of the same cell line in allogenic Balb/c mice was significantly accelerated by flap surgeries or LN dissection (p=0.0016 and p=0.0001, respectively). In addition, immune cell infiltration including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the tumor was reduced by these surgeries (CD4+ T cells: p=0.0185 and p=0.0235, respectively, CD8+ T cells: p=0.0122 and p=0.0104, respectively). Moreover, both cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma (p=0.05 and p=0.02, respectively) and numbers of apoptotic tumor cells (p=0.0237 and p=0.0055, respectively) were significantly diminished by these surgeries. Similarly, tumor growth of the immunogenic MC38 cell line in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice was significantly accelerated by these surgeries (p=0.0125 and p=0.0413, respectively). In this model, immune cell infiltration were also reduced by these surgeries (CD4+ T cells: p=0.0147 and p=0.0201, respectively, CD8+ T cells: p=0.0424 and p=0.0124, respectively). Moreover, apoptotic tumor cells were diminished by these surgeries (p=0.0431 and p=0.0434, respectively). These results strongly indicate that surgical damage of the lymphatic system may promote tumor progression via impaired adaptive immune response.

Surgical damage to the lymphatic system promotes tumor growth via impaired adaptive immune response

BackgroundBoth lymph nodes (LNs) and lymphatic channels from primary sites to regional LNs are critical for initiation of adaptive immunity. However, as LNs are common metastatic sites in skin cancers, LN biopsies or dissections are frequently performed. In addition, reconstructive skin flaps after tumor resection may damage lymphatic flow from primary sites to regional LNs. ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the effect on tumor progression by such surgeries. MethodsWe developed a mouse model that simulates LNs dissection or skin flap that blocks lymphatic flow from primary sites to regional LNs and monitored tumor progression. ResultsAs a poor immunogenic tumor line, the growth of inoculated B16F10 melanoma into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice was not affected by these surgeries. However, the growth of the same cell line in allogenic Balb/c mice was accelerated while immune cell infiltration (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) into the tumor was reduced by these surgeries. In addition, both cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma and numbers of apoptotic tumor cells were diminished by these surgeries. Similarly, tumor growth of the immunogenic MC38 cell line in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice was accelerated and immune cell infiltration and apoptotic tumor cells were reduced by these surgeries. ConclusionThese results strongly indicate that surgical damage of the lymphatic system may promote tumor progression via impaired adaptive immune response.

Novel kinetic live cell imaging assays for T cell killing of tumor cells (TUM7P.1031)

Abstract Cancer immunotherapy offers the potential for specific eradication of tumor cells and the prevention of cancer recurrence. In this study we describe fully kinetic live cell imaging assays designed to quantify T cell mediated killing of tumor cells in co-culture. RFP-nuclear labelled tumor cells were seeded overnight in 96 or 384 well plates. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) or isolated CD8+ T cells were then added to the wells in combination with various activators and a non-perturbing green fluorescence caspase-3/7detection reagent. Phase and 2-colour fluorescence images were captured every 2h for 4-7 days using IncuCyte ZOOM™. Tumor cell numbers were quantified by direct nuclear object counting (RFP). The number of apoptotic tumor cells were measured using green object counting and size/brightness filtering to remove dying T cells. This method is illustrated and validated with anti CD3, IL-2 and CD28 mediated cell killing, and a study on the impact of target/effector cell ratios. These validation data demonstrate that live cell imaging can be used to discern the full time course and specificity of T cell killing, without the need to lift cells, use Ab labels or radioisotopes (e.g. 51Cr). HD images and time-lapse movies facilitate a clear understanding and compelling verification of the underlying biology.

C60 fullerene as synergistic agent in tumor-inhibitory Doxorubicin treatment.

BackgroundDoxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most potent anticancer drugs, but its successful use is hampered by high toxicity caused mainly by generation of reactive oxygen species. One approach to protect against Dox-dependent chemical insult is combined use of the cytostatic drug with antioxidants. C60 fullerene has a nanostructure with both antioxidant and antitumor potential and may be useful in modulating cell responses to Dox.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate the antitumor effect and antioxidant enzyme activity of combined C60 fullerene and Dox (C60 + Dox) in the liver and heart of mice with Lewis lung carcinoma compared with Dox treatment alone.MethodsHighly stable pristine C60 fullerene aqueous colloid solution (concentration 1.0 mg/ml, average hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles 50 nm) was used in the study and characterized by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in vivo investigation of C60-Dox action was performed via the standard methods of histological and enzyme activity analyses.ResultsDox (total dose 2.5 mg/kg) combined with C60 fullerene (total dose 25 mg/kg) in tumor-bearing animals resulted in tumor growth inhibition, prolongation of life, metastasis inhibition, and increased number of apoptotic tumor cells and was more effective than the corresponding course of Dox treatment alone. C60 fullerene demonstrated a protective effect against superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase inhibition induced by Dox-dependent oxidative insult in the liver and heart.ConclusionCombined treatment with C60 + Dox is considered to be a promising approach for cancer chemotherapy.

Effects of Kuan-Sin-Yin decoction on immunomodulation and tumorigenesis in mouse tumor models.

BackgroundComplementary therapies are widely used among cancer patients. Kuan-Sin-Yin (KSY) decoction, a popular qi-promoting herbal medicine, was constituted with several herbs known to exhibit immunomodulating or anticancer activity. After combining these herbs as a compound formula, it is necessary to reassess the immunomodulation effects, the effects on tumor growth, and possible toxicity of KSY.MethodsThe anti-cancer effects of KSY in vivo were determined by measuring the tumor volumes, anticancer-associated cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, and IL-12), accumulation of tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TILs), proliferation and apoptosis-related molecular markers (Ki-67, p53, p21, activated caspase 3, and cleaved PARP), and an in situ TUNEL assay. The body weight and serum chemistry of treated mice were also assessed. In vitro, the effects of KSY were evaluated using MTT assay, BrdU incorporation assay and cell growth curve.ResultsIn vivo, KSY suppressed bladder or lung cancer growth but did not promote the production of cytokines nor increase the accumulation of TILs. The expression of p53 and p21 in KSY-treated mice were increased. The numbers of apoptotic tumor cells and the expression of apoptosis marker proteins (Caspase 3 and cleaved PARP) were not significantly elevated after KSY treatment. In vitro, the viability and proliferation of tumor cells, but not normal cells, were suppressed by KSY treatment. No significant toxicity was found in KSY-treated mice.ConclusionsKSY suppressed the tumor growth in vivo and in vitro, which resulted from its cytostatic effects on cancer cells, rather than the induction of anti-cancer immunity. Under these experimental conditions, no apparent toxicity was observed.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-488) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Curcumin Combined with Oxaliplatin Effectively Suppress Colorectal Carcinomain vivoThrough Inducing Apoptosis

Studies have shown chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic effects of several curcumin-based combinatorial treatments on colorectal cancer cells. However, their in vivo effects remain unclear. This study has demonstrated the therapeutic effect of curcumin and oxaliplatin, alone or in combination, on subcutaneously xenografted LoVo human colorectal cancer cells in immunodeficient (nu/nu) mice in vivo. Combinatorial administration of curcumin and oxaliplatin evidently inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer in nude mice, which was significantly more effective than either agent alone. Curcumin combined with oxaliplatin treatment induced apoptosis, accompanied by ultrastructural changes and cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phases. Further mechanism analysis indicated that while the number of apoptotic tumor cells and the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) increased significantly, the expression of Bcl-2, survivin, HSP70, pro-caspase-3, and pro-PARP were dramatically suppressed in tumor cells after the treatment with combinatorial curcumin and oxaliplatin for 22 days. Taken together, the present study has demonstrated that administration of combined curcumin and oxaliplatin effectively suppressed colorectal carcinoma in vivo through inducing apoptosis and thus may provide an effective treatment for colorectal carcinoma.

Antitumor and antiangiogenic activity of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide in a renal cell carcinoma model

The aim of this study was to determine the antitumor and antiangiogenic effects of the Schisandra chinensis polysaccharides (SCP) in selected renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells and evaluate its potential mechanism of action. In vitro, endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by Caki-1 was blockaded in response to SCP treatment for 48h. In vivo, a significant tumor growth inhibition effect was observed after SCP administration for 4 weeks. Moreover, SCP treatment decreased the level of VEGF, CD31 and CD34 in RCC tumor tissues. Further analysis of the tumor inhibition mechanism indicated that the number of apoptotic tumor cells increased significantly; the expression of Bax and p53 increased; and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased dramatically in transplanted tumor tissues following SCP administration. These results indicated that the potential mechanisms involved by which SCP exerted its antitumor and antiangiogenic activity might be associated with the up-regulation of Bax and p53, downregulation of Bcl-2, as well as the reduction of VEGF, CD31 and CD34 in xenografted tumors. These findings demonstrated that the SCP is a potential antitumor agent for RCC treatment.

Thrombospondin-2 overexpression in the skin of transgenic mice reduces the susceptibility to chemically induced multistep skin carcinogenesis

BackgroundWe have previously reported stromal upregulation of the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) during multistep carcinogenesis, and we found accelerated and enhanced skin angiogenesis and carcinogenesis in TSP-2 deficient mice. GoalsTo investigate whether enhanced levels of TSP-2 might protect from skin cancer development. MethodsWe established transgenic mice with targeted overexpression of TSP-2 in the skin and subjected hemizygous TSP-2 transgenic mice and their wild-type littermates to a chemical skin carcinogenesis regimen. ResultsTSP-2 transgenic mice showed a significantly delayed onset of tumor formation compared to wild-type mice, whereas the ratio of malignant conversion to squamous cell carcinomas was comparable in both genotypes. Computer-assisted morphometric analysis of blood vessels revealed pronounced tumor angiogenesis already in the early stages of carcinogenesis in wild type mice. TSP-2 overexpression significantly reduced tumor blood vessel density in transgenic mice but had no overt effect on LYVE-1 positive lymphatic vessels. The percentage of desmin surrounded, mature tumor-associated blood vessels and the degree of epithelial differentiation remained unaffected. The antiangiogenic effect of transgenic TSP-2 was accompanied by a significantly increased number of apoptotic tumor cells in transgenic mice. ConclusionOur results demonstrate that enhanced levels of TSP-2 in the skin result in reduced susceptibility to chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis and identify TSP-2 as a new target for the prevention of skin cancer.

Anti-CCR7 therapy exerts a potent anti-tumor activity in a xenograft model of human mantle cell lymphoma

BackgroundThe chemokine receptor CCR7 mediates lymphoid dissemination of many cancers, including lymphomas and epithelial carcinomas, thus representing an attractive therapeutic target. Previous results have highlighted the potential of the anti-CCR7 monoclonal antibodies to inhibit migration in transwell assays. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of an anti-CCR7 antibody in a xenografted human mantle cell lymphoma model.MethodsNOD/SCID mice were either subcutaneously or intravenously inoculated with Granta-519 cells, a human cell line derived from a leukemic mantle cell lymphoma. The anti-CCR7 mAb treatment (3 × 200 μg) was started on day 2 or 7 to target lymphoma cells in either a peri-implantation or a post-implantation stage, respectively.ResultsThe anti-CCR7 therapy significantly delayed the tumor appearance and also reduced the volumes of tumors in the subcutaneous model. Moreover, an increased number of apoptotic tumor cells was detected in mice treated with the anti-CCR7 mAb compared to the untreated animals. In addition, significantly reduced number of Granta-519 cells migrated from subcutaneous tumors to distant lymphoid organs, such as bone marrow and spleen in the anti-CCR7 treated mice. In the intravenous models, the anti-CCR7 mAb drastically increased survival of the mice. Accordingly, dissemination and infiltration of tumor cells in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs, including lungs and central nervous system, was almost abrogated.ConclusionsThe anti-CCR7 mAb exerts a potent anti-tumor activity and might represent an interesting therapeutic alternative to conventional therapies.

Effect of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and a CXC chemokine receptor-4 antagonist on tumor growth and metastasis in a xenotransplanted mouse model of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oral floor

Nitric oxide (NO) is related to angiogenesis and tumor progression and chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) plays a central role in cell migration in metastasis and dissemination of cancer. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a NOS inhibitor and a CXCR4 antagonist, given as single agents or in combination, in a xenotransplanted mouse model of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the oral floor. A metastatic tumor (ACCIM) derived from a cervical metastatic lesion of human ACC that was transplantable in nude mice was used. ACCIM showed a high frequency of spontaneous metastasis to the lung when transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice. Mice with subcutaneous transplants of ACCIM were subdivided into six groups and intraperitoneally received one of the following treatments daily for 5 weeks: a) PBS (control), b) AMD3100 (CXCR4 antagonist), c) L-NAME (NOS inhibitor), d) 1400W (iNOS inhibitor), e) both AMD3100 and L-NAME (AMD3100+L-NAME) and f) both AMD3100 and 1400W (AMD3100+1400W). Tumor growth was evaluated during treatment and metastasis was assessed at 28 weeks. Single-agent treatment with AMD3100, L-NAME or 1400W inhibited tumor growth by 20.8, 26.5 and 54.5%, respectively. Combined treatment with AMD3100+L-NAME and AMD3100+1400W inhibited tumor growth remarkably by 48.0 and 50.2%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed lower expression of CXCR4, iNOS and eNOS in tumor cells treated with AMD3100+L-NAME or AMD3100+1400W compared to control tumor cells and increased numbers of apoptotic tumor cells were demonstrated using the TUNEL method. CXCR4 expression decreased in 1400W-treated tumors using western blot analysis. When the effect of each agent on tumor-induced angiogenesis in tumor stroma was examined histologically, microvessel density was significantly lower in the groups treated with 1400W, AMD3100+L-NAME or AMD3100+1400W compared to the control, AMD3100 and L-NAME groups. Moreover, treatment with AMD3100 or 1400W markedly inhibited lung metastasis. Our results indicated that single-agent treatment with 1400W and combined treatment with AMD3100+L-NAME or AMD3100+1400W induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited tumor-induced angiogenesis and proliferation of ACCIM in vivo. Blockade of CXCR4 and iNOS was suggested to inhibit lung metastases from ACCIM. CXCR4 and iNOS may, thus, be important prognostic factors for long-term survival in ACC.

Hepatic arterial infusion but not systemic application of cetuximab in combination with oxaliplatin significantly reduces growth of CC531 colorectal rat liver metastases

PurposeSystemic chemotherapy still represents the gold standard in the treatment of irresectable colorectal liver metastases. Modern anticancer agents like the monoclonal antibody cetuximab have improved the outcome of patients in clinical studies. As hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) is capable to potentially increase the anticancer effect of cytostatics, we herein studied whether HAI of cetuximab (CE) as a single agent or in combination with oxaliplatin (OX) exerts increased anticancer effects compared to the systemic application (SYS) of the drugs.MethodsWAG/Rij rats were randomized to eight groups and underwent 10 days after subcapsular hepatic tumor implantation either HAI or SYS of CE, OX, or the combination of both agents (CE + OX). Saline-treated animals served as controls. Tumor volume was measured at days 10 and 13 using three-dimensional ultrasound. On day 13, liver and tumor tissue was sampled for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsIn controls, the tumor volume significantly increased from day 10 to 13. Application of OX alone via HAI or SYS did not inhibit tumor growth compared to controls. SYS of CE or CE + OX did also not reduce tumor growth. In contrast, HAI of CE and CE + OX significantly inhibited tumor growth. HAI of CE significantly reduced tumor vascularization as measured by the number of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1-positive cells and significantly increased the number of apoptotic tumor cells as measured by the cellular caspase-3 expression.ConclusionHAI of CE and CE + OX reduces tumor growth of colorectal rat liver metastases involving the inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of tumor cell apoptosis.

Expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in Tumour Cells and Blood Vessels of Breast Cancer and their Association with Angiogenesis and Hormonal Receptors

A total of 96 cases of invasive breast ductal carcinoma were examined for immunohistochemical expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in the epithelial tumor cells and endothelial cells of the blood vessels. We also investigated the association between both proteins in the epithelium in relation to tumor characteristics such as tumor size, grade, lymph node involvement, microvessel density (MVD), hormonal receptors expression and c-erbB-2 overexpression. Bax expression showed a significant association between tumor and endothelial cells (p<0.001) while Bcl-2 expression in tumor cells was inversely associated with that in the endothelial cells (p<0.001). Expression of Bcl-2 in tumor cells was strongly associated with expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively). In addition, intratumoral MVD was significantly higher than peritumoral MVD (p<0.001) but not associated with Bax or Bcl-2 expression and other tumor characteristics. We concluded that the number of endothelial cells undergoing apoptosis was in direct linkage with the number of apoptotic tumor cells. Anti-apoptotic activity of the surviving tumor cells appears to propagate cancer progression and this was influenced by the hormonal status of the cells. Tumor angiogenesis was especially promoted in the intratumoral region and angiogenesis was independent of anti-apoptotic activity.