Regional suppression of tumor growth by in vivo transfer of a cDNA encoding a secreted form of the extracellular domain of the flt-1 vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Kong H, Hecht D, Song W, Kovesdi I, Hackett N, Yayon A, Crystal R
Journal Hum Gene Ther
Volume 9
Issue 6
Pagination 823-33
Date Published 04/10/1998
ISSN 1043-0342
Keywords Genetic Therapy, Neoplasms, Experimental, Neovascularization, Pathologic, Proto-Oncogene Proteins, Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic mediator, is overexpressed in most solid tumors. On the basis of the knowledge that solid tumor growth beyond a small volume is critically dependent on angiogenesis, and that adenovirus (Ad) vectors can mediate efficient in vivo gene transfer and expression, we hypothesized that Ad-mediated transfer of a secreted form of the extracellular domain of the flt-1 VEGF receptor (Adsflt) would suppress tumor growth on a regional basis. To evaluate this concept, three tumor models were examined using a murine colon carcinoma cell line and syngeneic BALB/c mice. First, mice with preestablished splenic CT26.CL25 tumors and liver metastases were given Adsflt on AdNull intravenously and, after 15 days, spleens and livers were harvested to quantify tumor burden. Adslft-treated animals had minimal residual splenic tumors and liver metastases; in contrast, control animals had bulky splenic tumors and extensive liver metastases (p < 0.003). Second, mice with preestablished lung metastases showed a significant reduction in pulmonary metastases with regionally administered Adslft (intratracheal, p < 0.02) but not when the vector was systemically administered (intravenous, p > 0.9). Finally, mice with primary subcutaneous tumors treated with intratumoral administration of Adslft showed significant tumor suppression (p < 0.05) not observed in AdNull-treated mice or mice given Adslft intravenously (p > 0.3). We conclude that Ad-mediated in vivo regional delivery of a secreted form of the extracellular domain of the flt-1 VEGF receptor can effectively inhibit regional tumor growth, a strategy that may provide a means to control tumor growth within the treated organ without the risk of systemic antiangiogenesis.
DOI 10.1089/hum.1998.9.6-823
PubMed ID 9581905
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