Dataset Information
Specific targeting of tumor endothelial cells by a shiga-like toxin-vascular endothelial growth factor fusion protein as a novel treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose
Tumor endothelial cells express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). VEGF can direct toxins to tumor vessels through VEGFR-2 for antiangiogenic therapy. This study aimed to selectively damage the VEGFR-2-overexpressing vasculature of pancreatic cancer by SLT-VEGF fusion protein comprising VEGF and the A subunit of Shiga-like toxin which inhibits protein synthesis of cells with high VEGFR-2 expression.Experimental design
Expression of VEGF and VEGF receptors was evaluated in human pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1, HPAF-2) and in normal human endothelial cells (HUVEC) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cells were treated with SLT-VEGF (0.1-10 nM), and cell viability, proliferation, and endothelial tube formation were assessed. Orthotopic pancreatic cancer (AsPC-1, HPAF-2) was induced in nude mice. Animals were treated with SLT-VEGF fusion protein alone or in combination with gemcitabine. Treatment began 3 days or 6 weeks after tumor induction. Primary tumor volume and dissemination were determined after 14 weeks. Microvessel density and expression of VEGF and VEGF receptors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.Results
SLT-VEGF did not influence proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells; HUVECs (low-level VEGFR-2) reduced their proliferation rate and tube formation but not their viability. SLT-VEGF fusion protein reduced tumor growth and dissemination, increasing 14-week survival (AsPC-1, up to 75%; HPAF-2, up to 83%). Results of gemcitabine were comparable with SLT-VEGF monotherapy. Combination partly increased the therapeutic effects in comparison to the respective monotherapies. Microvessel density was reduced in all groups. Intratumoral VEGFR-2 expression was found in endothelial but not in tumor cells.Conclusions
SLT-VEGF is toxic for tumor vasculature rather than for normal endothelial or pancreatic cancer cells. SLT-VEGF treatment in combination with gemcitabine may provide a novel approach for pancreatic cancer.
SUBMITTER: Hotz B
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2950329 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Specific targeting of tumor endothelial cells by a shiga-like toxin-vascular endothelial growth factor fusion protein as a novel treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer.
Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.) 20101001 10
<h4>Purpose</h4>Tumor endothelial cells express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). VEGF can direct toxins to tumor vessels through VEGFR-2 for antiangiogenic therapy. This study aimed to selectively damage the VEGFR-2-overexpressing vasculature of pancreatic cancer by SLT-VEGF fusion protein comprising VEGF and the A subunit of Shiga-like toxin which inhibits protein synthesis of cells with high VEGFR-2 expression.<h4>Experimental design</h4>Expression of VEGF and VEGF rece ...[more]