In:
Clinical Cancer Research, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Vol. 14, No. 1 ( 2008-01-01), p. 249-258
Abstract:
Purpose: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is defined clinically by the combined occurrence of multiple tumors, typically of the parathyroid glands, pancreatic islet cells, and anterior pituitary gland. A mouse model with a heterozygous deletion of the Men1 gene recapitulates the tumorigenesis of MEN1. We wished to determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in the vascularization and growth of MEN1-associated tumors, with an emphasis on pituitary adenomas. Experimental Design: To investigate whether tumor growth in Men1+/− mice is mediated by VEGF-A dependent angiogenesis, we carried out a monotherapy with the anti–VEGF-A monoclonal antibody (mAb) G6-31. We evaluated tumor growth by magnetic resonance imaging and assessed vascular density in tissue sections. We also measured hormone levels in the serum. Results: During the treatment with mAb G6-31, a significant inhibition of the pituitary adenoma growth was observed, leading to an increased mean tumor doubling-free survival compared with mice treated with a control antibody. Similarly, the growth of s.c. pituitary adenoma transplants was effectively inhibited by administration of anti–VEGF-A mAb. Serum prolactin was lowered by mAb G6-31 treatment but not by control antibody, potentially providing a new therapeutic approach for treating the hormonal excess in MEN1 patients. Additionally, the vascular density in pancreatic islet tumors was significantly reduced by the treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that VEGF-A blockade may represent a nonsurgical treatment for benign tumors of the endocrine system.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1078-0432
,
1557-3265
DOI:
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-07-1552
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1225457-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2036787-9
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