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Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
Published in: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology 6/2010

01-05-2010 | Original Article

Beneficial effect of metronomic chemotherapy on tumor suppression and survival in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis

Authors: Seong Tae Park, Jeong Won Jang, Gi Dae Kim, Joung Ah Park, Wonhee Hur, Hyun Young Woo, Jin Dong Kim, Jeong Hyun Kwon, Chan Ran Yoo, Si Hyun Bae, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon

Published in: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology | Issue 6/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

Recent studies have demonstrated that frequent, low-dose metronomic (MET) dosing of cytotoxic agents may not only be as efficient as conventional maximum tolerated dose (MTD) chemotherapy but also less toxic. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect and safety of MET chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide (CTX) in rats with chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Rats received weekly intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of diethylnitrosamine during 16 weeks for induction of HCC. The rats were divided into three groups: MTD group received 40 mg/kg CTX i.p. injection on days 1, 3, and 5 of a 21-day cycle; Control and MET groups received saline and 20 mg/kg CTX i.p. injection twice a week, respectively. The growth-modulating effects and overall survival were compared between the groups. Anti-angiogenic effects were evaluated by a measurement of endothelial cell and VEGFR-2 expression.

Results

At 6 weeks of therapy, MTD and MET chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in tumor number and size compared with Control group. MET chemotherapy showed more prolonged survival than MTD chemotherapy and Control groups (P < 0.05). MET chemotherapy resulted in a significant decrease in both the micro-vessel density and endothelial proliferation index (P < 0.01). Furthermore, MET chemotherapy led to a greater decrease in VEGFR-2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

MET scheduling not only exhibits anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects, but also prolongs survival without major toxicities in a rat model of HCC. Our results suggest that MET chemotherapy has a high therapeutic value and should be considered for future clinical trials.
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Metadata
Title
Beneficial effect of metronomic chemotherapy on tumor suppression and survival in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis
Authors
Seong Tae Park
Jeong Won Jang
Gi Dae Kim
Joung Ah Park
Wonhee Hur
Hyun Young Woo
Jin Dong Kim
Jeong Hyun Kwon
Chan Ran Yoo
Si Hyun Bae
Jong Young Choi
Seung Kew Yoon
Publication date
01-05-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 0344-5704
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0843
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-009-1108-4

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