Canine transmissible venereal tumor and seminoma: a cytohistopathology and chemotherapy study of tumors in the growth phase and during regression after chemotherapy

In this study, 12 dogs affected by canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) and testicular seminoma tumor were studied retrospectively. The cytological sample was smeared onto a glass slide and either air-dried for May-Grünwald-stain, and masses were surgically removed. The tumors were grossly examined, and sections of 4-μm thick were obtained from each sample and stained with H&E. For chemotherapy, vincristine sulfate was administered weekly as an infusion over 3 min via the cephalic vein at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg after diluting with physiological saline to a total amount of 10 ml. If no remission was observed after 8 weeks, chemotherapy was continued with weekly doxorubicin infusion at a dose of 1 mg/kg. All the tumor samples were divided into four cytohistopathologic groups, namely: multilobular (six cases), papillary (two cases), pedunculated (two cases), and tubular (two cases of seminoma). The most frequently represented tumor type was multilobular (6/10, 60 %) followed by pedunculated (2/10, 20 %), papillary (2/10, 20 %), and tubular (two cases of seminoma, 100 %). Cytological smears from eight tumors in regression after chemotherapy were poorly cellular, and many cells were fragmented. In two progressive tumors, there was an average of 1,406?±?972 CTVT 200 cells/μl or 96?·?71 % of total cells counted. Thus, tumor cells represented 96?·?71 % of total cells within the biopsy specimens and the leukocytes 4?·?29 % (leukocyte, tumor cell ratio?=?0?·?062?±?0?·?031). In eight regressive tumors, there was an average of 1,245?±?1,032 CTVT 200 cells/μl or 97?·?31 % of total cells counted. Thus, tumor cells represented 97?·?31 % of total cells and leukocytes 2?·?69 % (leukocyte, tumor cell ratio?=?0?·?071?±?0?·?174). Our data suggested that combination treatment with vincristine and doxorubicin in the future could be an excellent therapeutic alternative for the treatment of TVT for probably reducing the resistance to vincristine, and also, treatment success could easily be followed by the cytological changes.     

The pro-oxidant buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) reduces tumor growth of implanted Lewis lung carcinoma in mice associated with increased protein carbonyl,tubulin abundance,and aminopeptidase activity

This study evaluated the effects of the pro-oxidant buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and of the interaction between BSO and TETRAC, an antagonist of αvß3 integrin, on tumor development and aminopeptidase (AP) activity in a murine model of implanted Lewis’s carcinoma. Male CBA-C57 mice were untreated (controls) or treated with BSO (222 mg/100 mL in drinking water), TETRAC (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.), or BSO + TETRAC. BSO for 28 days and TETRAC were given for the last 20 days. Mice were subcutaneously inoculated with 1?×?10⁶ Lewis carcinoma 3LL cells into the dorsum. Study variables were tumor weight (TW); Hb, as index of tumor-mediated angiogenesis; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein abundance; protein carbonyl content; α-tubulin abundance; and GluAp, AlaAp, and AspAp activities. BSO produced a major decrease in TW (203?±?18 mg) with respect to controls (365?±?26) and a reduction in Hb content. The TETRAC group also showed marked reductions in TW (129?±?15) and Hb concentration associated with a reduced VEGF content. The BSO + TETRAC group showed a major TW reduction (125?±?13); although, the difference with the TETRAC group was not significant. BSO treatment increased protein carbonyl and tubulin abundance in comparison to controls. The activity of all APs was increased in the three experimental groups and was strongly and negatively correlated with TW. In conclusion, administration of BSO reduced the TW, which inversely correlated with protein carbonyl content, suggesting a loss of microtubule polymerization. The finding of a negative correlation between TW and AP activity opens up new perspectives for the study of APs as tumor growth modulators.     

Biochemical mechanism of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) selective toxicity toward melanoma cell lines

In the current work, we investigated the biochemical toxicity of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; Aspirin) in human melanoma cell lines using tyrosinase enzyme as a molecular cancer therapeutic target. At 2 h, ASA was oxidized 88% by tyrosinase. Ascorbic acid and NADH, quinone reducing agents, were significantly depleted during the enzymatic oxidation of ASA by tyrosinase to quinone. The 50% inhibitory concentration (48 h) of ASA and salicylic acid toward SK-MEL-28 cells were 100 micromol/l and 5.2 mmol/l, respectively. ASA at 100 micromol/l was selectively toxic toward human melanocytic SK-MEL-28, MeWo, and SK-MEL-5 and murine melanocytic B16-F0 and B16-F10 melanoma cell lines. However, ASA was not significantly toxic to human amelanotic C32 melanoma cell line, which does not express tyrosinase enzyme, and human nonmelanoma BJ, SW-620, Saos, and PC-3 cells. Dicoumarol, a diaphorase inhibitor, and 1-bromoheptane, a GSH depleting agent, increased ASA toxicity toward SK-MEL-28 cells indicating quinone formation and intracellular GSH depletion played important mechanistic roles in ASA-induced melanoma toxicity. Ascorbic acid, a quinone reducing agent, and GSH, an antioxidant and quinone trap substrate, prevented ASA cell toxicity. Trifluoperazine, inhibitor of permeability transition pore in mitochondria, prevented ASA toxicity. ASA led to significant intracellular GSH depletion in melanocytic SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells but not in amelanotic C32 melanoma cells. ASA also led to significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in melanocytic SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells but not in amelanotic C32 melanoma cells. ROS formation was exacerbated by dicoumarol and 1-bromoheptane in SK-MEL-28. Our investigation suggests that quinone species, intracellular GSH depletion, ROS formation, and mitochondrial toxicity significantly contributed toward ASA selective toxicity in melanocytic SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells.     

Effects of cytochalasin B in culture and in vivo on murine Madison 109 lung carcinoma and on B16 melanoma

Cytochalasin B (CB), at 100 or at 10 mg/kg single dose s.c. in carboxymethyl-cellulose (2%)/Tween-20 (1%) 24 h after s.c. challenge of B6D2F1 mice with trocar implants of B16F10 tumor s.c., delayed the appearance of measurable tumor nodules by 157 and 93%, respectively, and extended host survival by 65 and 26%. Tumor growth was also delayed when CB treatment was given 1 day after the appearance of palpable tumor nodules. By in vivo bioassay, in vitro cloning, and dye exclusion measurements, solid tumor nodules treated in vivo with CB at either 100 or 10 mg/kg showed the same viability and tumorigenicity as did vehicle-treated nodules 4 and 6 days after drug treatment, at which time growth inhibition was still apparent. This indicates that growth inhibition by CB is not dependent on a gross cytotoxic effect. CD2F1 mice challenged s.c. with Madison 109 lung carcinoma cells and treated with CB s.c. at 100 or 150 mg/kg 24 h later showed a 66% delay in the median day of tumor nodule appearance. When administered under these conditions or at the time of nodule appearance. CB markedly inhibited the rate of tumor growth, prevented tumor invasion at day 23, extended life span by 23%, and significantly inhibited spontaneous lung metastases measured 28 days after tumor challenge. Maximum tolerated doses of CB administered i.p., s.c., or i.v. in suspension or in solution are defined. These results delineate the conditions under which CB can be tested for in vivo biological activities and establish that this microfilament-active natural product in a single-agent protocol inhibits local tumor growth and extends survival in B16F10 melanoma and Madison 109 lung carcinoma, and, in the latter model, inhibits invasion and spontaneous lung metastases by mechanisms that do not appear to depend on cytotoxicity. This work on formulation, tolerated doses in vivo, and localized peritumoral effects of CB now permits evaluation of systemic antitumor effects of cytochalasin B as a single agent. It also permits chemotherapy studies using CB as a potential amplifier of the activity of other antitumor agents in vivo.     

Anti-tumor efficacy of Cloretazine (VNP40101M) alone and in combination with fludarabine in murine tumor and human xenograft tumor models

Cloretazine (VNP40101M), a new sulfonylhydrazine alkylating agent, has demonstrated broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. In this study, Cloretazine was evaluated both as a monotherapy and in combination with fludarabine in murine tumor and human tumor xenograft models. Cloretazine significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneously implanted tumors, including B16F10 murine melanoma in C57BL/6 mice, and H460 human lung carcinoma and WiDr human colon carcinoma in athymic nude CD1 mice. The inhibition of tumor growth by Cloretazine was dose dependent, increasing from 42.2 to 87% as the dose escalated from 100 to 150 mg/kg. Cloretazine showed equivalent efficacy but lower toxicity compared to cyclophosphamide in these models. The combination therapy, consisting of a single dose of 10 mg/kg Cloretazine plus five doses of 70 mg/kg fludarabine, given every other day intraperitoneally, significantly increased the long-term survival of BDF1 mice bearing the L1210 murine leukemia. On Day 65 post-tumor implantation, the combination therapy yielded a 90% survival rate compared to 40% for Cloretazine alone and 0% for fludarabine alone.     

Effect of Wf-536, a novel ROCK inhibitor,against metastasis of B16 melanoma

PURPOSE: Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) is pivotally involved in invasion by tumor cells and their evolution to metastasis. We have developed a novel inhibitor of ROCK, Wf-536 [(+)-(R)-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl) benzamide monohydrochloride]. In the present study, we investigated its effect on in vitro invasion and in vivo pulmonary metastasis of B16 melanoma. METHODS: The following were evaluated: the anti-invasive effect of Wf-536 against the motility of mouse B16BL6 melanoma cells through a culture insert layered with reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel); the cytotoxic effect of Wf-536 in the same cell line; the antimetastatic effect of Wf-536, administered by osmotic pump, on spontaneous pulmonary metastasis following subcutaneous injection of B16BL6 melanoma in mice; and the inhibitory effect of orally administered Wf-536, alone or in combination with the antineoplastic drug paclitaxel, on pulmonary metastasis of intravenously injected B16F10 melanoma in mice. RESULTS: Wf-536 inhibited in vitro invasion by B16BL6 cells significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner and displayed an anti-invasive effect under conditions of both chemotaxis and chemokinesis. No cytotoxic effect was observed at any of the concentrations used. In vivo, Wf-536 administration suppressed tumor colony formation on the lung surface in a dose-dependent manner (0.3-3 mg/kg per day), with a metastasis inhibition rate of 95% at 3 mg/kg per day. In experimental metastasis of B16F10 melanoma, oral administration of Wf-536 significantly decreased tumor colony formation in the lung, with an inhibition rate of 41% at 3 mg/kg per day. The inhibition rate of paclitaxel (5 mg/kg per day) was 27%. The combination of Wf-536 and paclitaxel produced a synergistic effect on B16F10 metastasis and a 68% inhibition rate. Wf-536 administration at the doses used did not alter body weight, blood pressure or the health of treated animals as compared to vehicle-treated controls. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Wf-536 is a potentially valuable drug for preventing tumor metastasis both in monotherapy and in combination with an antineoplastic drug.     

肝脂素对小鼠S37肉瘤与B16黑色素瘤的抗肿瘤作用

目的：探讨肝脂素（Heplipin)对S37和B16两种肿瘤细胞移植瘤的生长抑制作用。方法：小鼠S37肉瘤和B16黑色素瘤移植瘤在高、中、低剂量（每天分别为3000、1800、1100mg/kg)肝脂素胃饲为治疗组,环磷酰胺（CTX）20mg(kg／天）和生理盐水作为两对照组。比较抑瘤率、癌周边部血管数、总肿瘤面积中坏死区所占比例,结果：肝脂素对S37肉瘤和B16黑色素瘤的抑瘤分别为大剂量：75．1％和47．0％、中剂量：69．7％和32．1％、小剂量：61．7％和13．0％,显示出明显的剂量效关系,与生理盐水对照组相比有显著性差异。在S37肉瘤荷瘤小鼠的实验中,组织学观察发现,肝脂素用药组肿瘤周边部单痊面积血血管数明显少于阴性对照组和CTX组;肝脂素治疗组的肿瘤坏死面积明显大于对照组,结论：肝脂素可明显抑制小鼠S37肉瘤和B16黑色素瘤的生长,其抗肿瘤机制可能与抑制肿瘤生长血管的生成,导肿瘤缺血坏死有关。     

Lentivirus-mediated CD/TK fusion gene transfection neural stem cell therapy for C6 glioblastoma

A suicide gene can convert nontoxic prodrugs into toxic products to kill tumor cells. In this study, our aim was to transfect lentivirus-mediated CD/TK fusion gene into Wistar rat’s neural stem cells (NSC) and then implant the NSC into a C6 glioma model to observe a C6 glioma growth inhibition effect. Primary NSC and stable transfection CD/TK fusion gene cell lines were established. To observe the tumor size and rat survival period in different groups, C6 glioma cell apoptosis and cell viability rate were applied to analyze the tumor inhibition effect of the neural stem cells’ transfected CD/TK fusion gene. C6 cell viability showed that CDglyTK-NSC + GCV/5-Fc (group 1) was lower than CDglyTK-NSC (group 2), NSC + GCV/5-Fc (group 3), and control (group 4) from day 2 (p?<?0.05), and the apoptosis rate was higher in group 1 compared with that of other groups (50.6 %, p?<?0.05) either in vitro or in vivo (35.47 %, p?<?0.05); both cell viability and apoptosis had no significance in the other three groups. In vivo, tumor size in group 1 was 7.76?±?1.37 mm³, which is smaller than the others (group2 27.28?±?4.11 mm³, group3 27.94?±?2.08 and 28.61?±?2.97 mm³; p?<?0.05). The other groups’ tumor size was not significant (p?>?0.05). Survival time of rats treated with CDglyTK-NSC + GCV/5-Fc (group 1) was significantly longer than that of the other groups (p?<?0.05; group 1 48.86?±?1.97, group 2 28.67?±?3.75, group 3 31.5?±?1.27, group 4 29.3?±?1.33). We also showed that the transfected C6 cells had a migratory capacity toward gliomas in vivo. Transfected CD/TK fusion gene neural stem cells combined with propyl–guanosine and 5-flucytosine double prodrug significantly inhibit the development of glioma.     

蛇葡萄素抗黑色素瘤侵袭和转移的作用

背景与目的：我们先前的研究发现蛇葡萄素在体外对几种人肿瘤细胞以及在体内对小鼠移植性B16黑色素瘤具有抑制作用。为了进一步研究其抑制肿瘤转移的作用。我们研究了蛇葡萄素在体内外抗B16小鼠黑色素瘤侵袭和转移的作用。方法：B16细胞由尾静脉注入C57BL／6小鼠体内,建立实验性肺转移模型,蛇葡萄素以3个剂量从接种瘤细胞前一天腹腔给药,连续18天,于停药后第2天观察肺转移瘤灶数,B16细胞经蛇葡萄素处理3天,用具有聚碳酸酯和重建基底膜（基质胶Matrigel)的Transwell小室侵袭模型,研究药物处理后细胞侵袭,趋化运动,粘附能力的改变。结果：150、200,250mg/kg的蛇葡萄素可抑制小鼠肺转移瘤灶形成,与对照组比,抑制率分别为30．97％,40．58％,61．16％（P＜0．05）,经20,40,80μmol/L蛇葡萄素处理后,对B16细胞侵袭人工基底膜的抑制率分别为36．06％,59．58％和79．09％（P＜0．01）;对细胞的趋化运动抑制率分别为51．59％,56．51％和66．75％（P＜0．01）;显著降低B16细胞与基质成分层粘连蛋白,纤维粘连蛋白及Matrigel的粘附作用,结论：蛇葡萄素具有抑制黑色素瘤的侵袭和转移的作用。     

In vivo activity on murine tumors of a novel antitumor compound,N-β-dimethylaminoethyl 9-carboxy-5-hydroxy-10-methoxybenzo[a]phenazine-6-carboxamide sodium salt (NC-190)

Summary A novel antitumor compound, N--dimethylaminoethyl 9-carboxy-5-hydroxy-10-methoxybenzo[a]-phenazine-6-carboxamide sodium salt (NC-190) was evaluated for its antitumor activity in experimental murine tumor systems. In the initial studies with P388 leukemia (i.p.-i.p.), NC-190 led to an increase of >200% in life span (ILS), and 75% of the mice were alive on day 30, when the optimal dose (50 mg/kg, days 1–5) was given. Additionally, the compound had significant activities against i.p. inoculated mouse L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, M5076 reticulum cell sarcoma, sarcoma 180, mouse hepatoma MH134, and rat Yoshida sarcoma and Yoshida ascites hepatoma AH130. The optimal dose resulted in a >280% ILS with a 30-day survival of 50% in mice with L1210 leukemia (100 mg/kg, days 1–5), a 156% ILS in mice with B16 melanoma (50 mg/kg, days 1–5), a 98% ILS with a 90-day survival of 25% in mice with M5076 reticulum cell sarcoma (25 mg/kg, days 1, 5, 9, and 13), a >300% ILS with a 60-day survival of 50% in mice with sarcoma 180 (50 mg/kg, days 3–10), a 148% ILS with a 60-day survival of 25% in mice with MH134 (25 mg/kg, days 1–5), a 129% ILS with a 60-day survival of 12.5% in rats with Yoshida sarcoma (12.5 mg/kg, day 3–10), and a >161% ILS with a 60-day survival of 50% in rats with AH130 (6.3 mg/kg, days 3–10). In the experiments with s.c. inoculated tumors, NC-190 not only inhibited tumor growth, but also increased the life span of mice with Lewis lung carcinoma or B16 melanoma. The 60-day survivors accounted for 60% and 30% in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma and B16 melanoma, respectively. The compound significantly inhibited the spontaneous lung metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma by more than 90% when eight daily i.v. injections were given. NC-190 was active by the i.p., s.c., and i.v. routes. Five consecutive daily i.p. doses (days 1–5) were more effective than a single dose (day 1), two doses (days 1 and 5), or three doses (days 1, 5, and 9). NC-190 warrants further study as a potential antineoplastic agent against human neoplasms, as it has a broad spectrum of antitumor activity and inhibits metastasis.Abbreviations ILS increase in life span - MST median survival time - MMC mitomycin C - ADM adriamycin - CPA cyclophosphamide - 5-FU 5-fluorouracil     

Treatment of resistant metastatic melanoma using sequential epigenetic therapy (decitabine and panobinostat) combined with chemotherapy (temozolomide)

Purpose

To explore the safety and tolerability of combining two epigenetic drugs: decitabine (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) and panobinostat (a histone deacetylase inhibitor), with chemotherapy with temozolomide (an alkylating agent). The purpose of such combination is to evaluate the use of epigenetic priming to overcome resistance of melanoma to chemotherapy.

Methods

A Phase I clinical trial enrolling patients aged 18 years or older, with recurrent or unresectable stage III or IV melanoma of any site. This trial was conducted with full Institutional Review Board approval and was registered with the National Institutes of Health under the clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00925132. Patients were treated with subcutaneous decitabine 0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg three times weekly for 2 weeks (starting on day 1), in combination with oral panobinostat 10, 20, or 30 mg every 96 h (starting on day 8), and oral temozolomide 150 mg/m²/day on days 9 through 13. In cycle 2, temozolomide was increased to 200 mg/m²/day if neutropenia or thrombocytopenia had not occurred. Each cycle lasted 6 weeks, and patients could receive up to six cycles. Patients who did not demonstrate disease progression were eligible to enter a maintenance protocol with combination of weekly panobinostat and thrice-weekly decitabine until tumor progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent.

Results

Twenty patients were initially enrolled, with 17 receiving treatment. The median age was 56 years. Eleven (65 %) were male, and 6 (35 %) were female. Eleven (64.7 %) had cutaneous melanoma, 4 (23.5 %) had ocular melanoma, and 2 (11.8 %) had mucosal melanoma. All patients received at least one treatment cycle and were evaluable for toxicity. Patients received a median of two 6-week treatment cycles (range 1–6). None of the patients experienced DLT. MTD was not reached. Adverse events attributed to treatment included grade 3 lymphopenia (24 %), anemia (12 %), neutropenia (12 %), and fatigue (12 %), as well as grade 2 leukopenia (30 %), neutropenia (23 %), nausea (23 %), and lymphopenia (18 %). The most common reason for study discontinuation was disease progression.

Conclusions

This triple agent of dual epigenetic therapy in combination with traditional chemotherapy was generally well tolerated by the cohort and appeared safe to be continued in a Phase II trial. No DLTs were observed, and MTD was not reached.     

Bone marrow-derived cells are recruited by the melanoma tumor with endothelial cells contributing to tumor vasculature

Purpose

Tumor expansion is dependent on neovascularization, a process that requires sustained new vessel formation. Although the critical role of angiogenesis by endothelial sprouting in this process, controversy still prevails on whether angiogenesis involving bone marrow-derived endothelial cells, does contribute to this process. This study aims to evaluate the recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells by the melanoma tumor, including endothelial cells, and if they contribute to angiogenesis.

Methods

A chimeric mouse model of GFP bone marrow was used to induce melanoma tumors derived from murine B16-F10 cell line. These tumors were evaluated for the presence of myeloid cells (CD11b), T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4 and CD8) and endothelial cells (VEGFR2 and CD31) derived from bone marrow.

Results

Mice transplanted with GFP+ cells showed significant bone marrow chimerism (90.9 ± 0.87 %) when compared to the GFP transgenic mice (90.66 ± 2.1 %, p = 0.83) demonstrating successful engraftment of donor bone marrow stem/progenitor cells. Analysis of the murine melanoma tumor showed the presence of donor cells in the tumors (3.5 ± 1.7 %) and interestingly, these cells represent endothelial cells (CD31+ cells; 11.5 ± 6.85 %) and myeloid cells (CD11b+ cells; 80 ± 21 %), but also tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells, 13.31 ± 0.2 %; CD4+ T-cells, 2.1 ± 1.2 %). Examination of the tumor endothelium by confocal microscopy suggests the presence of donor CD31+/GFP+ cells in the wall of some blood vessels.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that bone marrow-derived cells are recruited by the murine melanoma tumor, with myeloid cells and CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes migrating as antitumor immune response, and endothelial cells participating of the tumor blood vessels formation.

     

Comparison of the in vitro and in vivo effects of retinoids either alone or in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil on tumor development and metastasis of melanoma

Purpose  Retinoids have previously been reported to inhibit proliferation of melanoma cell lines in vitro. However, the relative antimetastatic efficacy of various retinoids on melanoma in vivo is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of different retinoids on the invasion and metastasis of murine melanoma B16-F10 cells in vitro and in vivo. Based on the findings, the antitumor effects of a selected retinoid either alone or in combination with cisplatin were also investigated in a preclinical mouse melanoma model. Methods  Cell proliferation and invasion analyses of murine melanoma B16-F10 cells were assessed in the presence of different retinoids, either alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Experimental lung metastasis assay was performed in this study to investigate the antimetastatic efficacy of retinoids. Additionally, a mouse melanoma model was used to assess the antitumor efficacy of a selected retinoid in combination with cisplatin. Results  Retinoids showed significant antiproliferation and anti-invasion effects on murine melanoma B16-F10 cells. Pretreatment with retinoids increased the sensitivity to CDDP but not to 5-FU in in-vitro. Moreover, the number of metastatic colonies formed in the lungs of mice injected intravenously with B16-F10 cells was significantly reduced by injecting the respective retinoid once a day for 10 days. Treatment with a combination of cisplatin and 13-cis-retinoic acid resulted in a significant reduction in primary tumor size and the number of lung metastatic nodules in melanoma-bearing mice. Conclusion  These results suggest that retinoids not only exhibit antimetastatic effect, but also enhance the antitumor activity of cisplatin in vivo.     

Antitumor effects of recombinant human Interleukin-6 on mouse bladder carcinoma through Fas-mediated apoptosis

Purpose

An apoptosis-inducing therapy is gradually becoming a new strategy for cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of growth-inhibitory effects of recombinant human interleukin-6 (rhIL-6) on bladder tumor-bearing T739 mice in vivo.

Methods

Murine bladder transitional carcinoma cells (BTT739) were inoculated subcutaneously into T739 mice as a tumor model for evaluating the antitumor effects of rhIL-6. Then the mice were divided randomly into 5 groups: A, B, C, D and E. Different doses (0, 2, 4, 8 × 10⁶ IU/kg body weight) of rhIL-6 were injected intraperitoneally twice per day and administered for 14 days, and 1 mg/kg/d mitomycin-C(MMC) was used as control. Tumor size was measured and determined as the mean of the largest diameter and the diameter at right angle. Animals were killed by CO₂ inhalation on the 15th day after tumor cell inoculation. Then, tumors were removed, weighed and collected. The tumor growth inhibition rate of rhIL-6 was calculated. The morphological characteristic changes of tumor cells were observed under electron microscope, and cell cycle analysis was determined by flow cytometry. The expressions of Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 protein on tumor cells were qualitatively detected by immunofluorescence cell staining, and their relative contents (rate of positive cells, RPC) were quantitatively determined with flow cytometry.

Results

rhIL-6 could inhibit bladder tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in vivo. The tumor growth-inhibitory rates of 2, 4, 8 × 10⁶ IU/kg rhIL-6 and 1 mg/kg MMC were 11.8, 39.5, 39.7 and 68.8%, respectively. Flow cytometry results showed that a hypodiploid peak before G1 phase could be found in tumor cells treated with rhIL-6. Moreover, the cells treated with rhIL-6 displayed disappearance of nucleoli, chromatin gathering under the nuclear membrane in mass or ring-shape under transmission electron microscopy. The rates of Fas, FasL protein–positive cells estimated by flow cytometry in rhIL-6-treated mice were (12.57 ± 0.83) and (20.1 ± 0.87) %, respectively, significantly higher than that (4.66 ± 0.17) and (14.1 ± 0.83) % in control mice (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the rate of Bcl-2 protein–positive cells between the mice in these two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

rhIL-6 had obvious antitumor effects on mouse bladder carcinoma in vivo, and the Fas signaling pathway might play an important role in rhIL-6-induced bladder carcinoma cell apoptosis.     

Intrathecal ACNU treatment of B16 melanoma leptomeningeal metastasis in a new athymic rat model

Summary To evaluate new cytotoxic drugs for intrathecal treatment we developed an experimental model of leptomeningeal metastasis by intracisternal injection of 10⁴B16-F10 melanoma cells in nude rats. One hour in vitro incubation with 20 g/ml ACNU (area under the drug concentration-time curve = 1200 gxmin/ml) induced a 4-log kill of B16 melanoma cells. A single or repeated non-toxic dose of 1 mg/kg was injected into the cisterna magna of rats inoculated with tumor (area under the drug concentration-time curve assuming an even cerebrospinal fluid distribution > 7000 gxmin/ml). Median survival free of symptoms was 16 days (range 14–27) for controls (n = 9) and 18 days (range 17–23) for rats treated with ACNU on day 4 (n = 9). Animals treated both on day 2 and 8 (n = 8) developed symptoms on day 21 (range 13–35). Neurological symptoms and neuropathological examination in animals with increased survival indicated local suppression of tumor growth in the cisterna magna but increased spinal seeding and mass growth. From these results and the available pharmacokinetic data on ACNU it is concluded that bolus injection of ACNU — although locally effective — is not a sufficient treatment of widespread leptomeningeal metastasis. An increased therapeutic efficacy might be achieved by ventriculolumbar perfusion.     

Reduced tumorigenicity of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells transfected with mycobacterial antigen 85A

Immunotherapy based on the administration of the mycobacterium bacillus Calmette-Guerin has been successfully used in the treatment of in situ transitional cell bladder cancer, and may be applicable to the treatment of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Antigen 85A (Ag85A) and heat shock protein 65 kDa (hsp65) are major secreted proteins of Mycobacterium species and potent stimulators of cell-mediated immunity. This study evaluated the ability of Ag85A and hsp65 gene transfection to limit tumor growth by B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. Immunoblotting confirmed protein expression and secretion by B16-F10 cells that were transiently transfected with plasmid DNA containing the Ag85A or hsp65 gene. Groups of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously with 1x10(5) untransfected B16-F10 cells or B16-F10 cells transiently transfected with either empty vector or vector containing the Ag85A or hsp65 gene. Ag85A-expressing B16-F10 cells exhibited a dramatic 76% reduction (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U test) in tumor weight in comparison to empty vector controls at 14 days post-inoculation. In contrast, hsp65-transfected B16-F10 cells did not show any change in tumorigenicity. Decreased tumorigenicity by Ag85A-transfected B16-F10 cells was not due to a reduced ability of Ag85A-transfected B16-F10 cells to proliferate since both mock- and Ag85A-transfected B16-F10 cells showed increased in vitro proliferation in comparison to untransfected cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that Ag85A-transfected B16-F10 tumors contained an inflammatory leukocyte infiltrate that was not present in hsp65-transfected tumors. Reduced tumor progression by Ag85A-transfected B16-F10 melanoma cells suggests that immunotherapy based on the transient induction of Ag85A expression may be an effective approach for the treatment of cutaneous malignant melanoma.     

Nitric oxide synthase II gene disruption: implications for tumor growth and vascular endothelial growth factor production

The expression of a primary initiator of tumor angiogenic responses, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), may be induced by nitric oxide (NO) in carcinoma cells. However, the net impact of NO on carcinogenesis remains unclear, because manipulation of NO levels has been shown to either stimulate or inhibit tumor growth. We have investigated the relationship between inducible NO synthase (NOS II), VEGF expression, and growth of B16-F1 melanoma over 14 days in wild-type (NOS II+/+) mice and in those in which the gene for NOS II has been deleted (NOS II-/-). B16-F1 tumor growth was measured as wet weight of the excised tissue. Tumor NOS II and VEGF localization were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and VEGF mRNA levels were measured by Northern blot analysis. In NOS II+/+ mice inoculated with B16-F1 melanoma cells, macroscopic tumors were always observed at 14 days; however, 22% of NOS II-/- mice had no detectable tumor mass. Immunoreactive NOS II was detected in tumor cells of tumors grown in NOS II+/+ but not in NOS II-/- mice. Although immunoreactive VEGF was detected in the granules of tumor-associated mast cells from both NOS II+/+ and NOS II-/- mice, VEGF mRNA expression in tumors from NOS II-/- was half that in NOS II+/+ mice. Neither NOS II inhibition, exogenous NO, nor peroxynitrite influenced DNA synthesis in culture B16-F1 melanoma cells. The NO donor did not alter either VEGF mRNA levels or degranulation in cultures of the mast cell line RBL-2H3, but peroxynitrite increased both VEGF mRNA expression and degranulation. We conclude that host expression of NOS II contributes to induction of NOS II in the tumor and to melanoma growth in vivo, possibly by regulating the amount and availability of VEGF.     

石墨烯发热膜的抑瘤作用初探

目的:初步探讨石墨烯发热膜的抗肿瘤作用。方法:体外使用96孔平底板培养对数期生长的CCD-1095SK、MCF-7、A375和B16-F10细胞,使用石墨烯发热膜或温箱在不同温度（37 ℃、40 ℃、41.5 ℃、43 ℃）下恒温处理1小时,继续培养24小时后检测细胞生存率。体内接种黑色素瘤细胞株B16-F10于6~8周龄C57BL/6小鼠和裸鼠,C57BL/6小鼠使用石墨烯发热膜处理（38.5 ℃、39.5 ℃和40.5 ℃,30分钟/次,2次/天）,同时给予达卡巴嗪（dacarbazine,DTIC）80 mg/kg或PBS作为控制,每两天测量一次肿瘤体积并记录小鼠的体重和生存状况,接种后第21天处死小鼠剥离瘤体,称重,多聚甲醛固定后进行HE染色。裸鼠使用石墨烯发热膜处理（37 ℃、38.5 ℃和40 ℃,30分钟/次,2次/天）,每两天测量一次肿瘤体积并记录生存状况。结果:体外石墨烯发热膜处理达到40 ℃时,对MCF-7和A375细胞增殖具有抑制作用,但对于CCD-1095SK和B16-F10细胞,需要达到41.5 ℃才具有增殖抑制作用。在免疫健全的C57BL/6小鼠模型中,石墨烯发热膜40.5 ℃处理组肿瘤体积较控制组减小,石墨烯发热膜40.5 ℃处理和DTIC联用组的肿瘤体积较单独处理组减小。对于免疫不全裸鼠肿瘤模型,石墨烯发热膜处理未能减小肿瘤体积,也未能延长小鼠的生存期。结论:体外石墨烯发热膜处理具有抑制肿瘤细胞增殖的作用,体内联合DTIC和石墨烯发热膜处理具有抑制B16-F10肿瘤模型生长的作用,其机制有可能是间接增强了抗肿瘤免疫应答。     

Vemurafenib pharmacokinetics and its correlation with efficacy and safety in outpatients with advanced <Emphasis Type="Italic">BRAF</Emphasis>-mutated melanoma

Vemurafenib is a BRAF kinase inhibitor approved for first-line treatment of metastatic BRAF ^V600 -mutant melanoma. However, data on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship are lacking. The aim of this prospective, multicenter study was to explore the PK/PD relationship for vemurafenib in outpatients with advanced BRAF-mutated melanoma. Fifty-nine patients treated with single-agent vemurafenib were prospectively analyzed. Vemurafenib plasma concentration (n?=?159) was measured at days 15, 30, 60, and 90 after treatment initiation. Clinical and biological determinants (including plasma vemurafenib concentration) for efficacy and safety were assessed using Cox's model and multivariate stepwise logistic regression. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 5.0 (95 % confidence interval [95 % CI] 2.0–6.0) and 11.0 (95% CI 7.0–16.0) months, respectively. Twenty-nine patients (49 %) experienced any grade ≥3 toxicity and the most frequent grade ≥2 toxicity was skin rash (37 %). Severe toxicities led to definitive discontinuation in seven patients (12 %). Grade ≥2 skin rash was not statistically associated with better objective response at day 60 (p?=?0.06) and longer PFS (hazard ratio 0.47; 95 % CI 0.21–1.08; p?=?0.075). Grade ≥2 skin rash was statistically increased in patients with ECOG ?≥?1 (odds ratio 4.67; 95 % CI 1.39–15.70; p?=?0.012). Vemurafenib concentration below 40.4 mg/L at day 15 was significantly associated with a shorter PFS (1.5 [0.5–5.5] vs. 4.5 [2–undetermined] months, p?=?0.029). Finally, vemurafenib concentration was significantly greater in patients developing grade ≥2 rash (61.7?±?25.0 vs. 36.3?±?17.9 mg/L, p?<?0.0001). These results suggest that early plasma drug monitoring may help identify outpatients at high risk of non-response or grade ≥?2 skin rash.     

Lack of correlation between interferon levels induced by polyribonucleotides and their antimetastatic effect.

The inhibitory effect of poly(A)poly(U) on the pulmonary metastasis of B16-F10 melanoma was examined in comparison with that of poly(I,C)-L,C and poly(I)poly(C). The correlation between interferon (IFN) level and antimetastatic effect was also investigated. Intraperitoneal injection of poly(A)poly(U) (50 mg/kg) into C57BL/6 mice 24 h before intravenous inoculation of B16-F10 melanoma (1 X 10(5] caused a significant decrease (p less than 0.01) in the number of pulmonary nodules 14 days after tumor challenge. But poly(I,C)-L,C (1 or 0.2 mg/kg) and poly(I)poly(C) (5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg) did not. From the kinetic study of IFN levels induced by polyribonucleotides, poly(I,C)-L,C showed the most potent IFN-inducing activity, followed by poly(I)poly(C) and poly(A)poly(U), in this order. Plasma IFN reached a peak at 6 h and still continued to be detected at 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of the polyribonucleotides. Against B16-F10 melanoma, the cytotoxicity of spleen cells stimulated by poly(A)poly(U) (50 mg/kg) was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than that of spleen cells stimulated by poly(I)poly(C) (5 mg/kg) both at 12 and 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of those agents. The above results that there is no correlation between the IFN levels induced by polyribonucleotides and their antimetastatic effect. More extensive study of poly(A)poly(U) might give more fruitful results, which will give valuable information for future clinical trials of this lowly toxic promising agent.