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Biomedical subjects

Isaiah J Fidler

Publications and source records attributed to Isaiah J Fidler.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells for therapy of androgen-independent human prostate cancer growing in the bone of nude mice.

PURPOSE: We determined whether blockade of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) signaling pathway by oral administration of the EGF-R tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PKI 166) alone or in combination with injectable Taxol inhibits the growth of PC-3MM2 human prostate cancer cells in the bone of nude mice. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Male nude mice implanted with PC-3MM2 cells in the tibia were treated with oral administrations of PKI 166 or PKI 166 plus injectable Taxol beginning 3 days after implantation. The incidence and size of bone tumors and destruction of bone were determined by digitalized radiography. Expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF-R, and activated EGF-R in tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Oral administration of PKI 166 or PKI 166 plus injectable Taxol reduced the incidence and size of bone tumors and destruction of bone. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PC-3MM2 cells growing adjacent to the bone expressed high levels of EGF and activated EGF-R, whereas tumor cells in the adjacent musculature did not. Moreover, endothelial cells within the bone tumor lesions, but not in uninvolved bone or tumors in the muscle, expressed high levels of activated EGF-R. Treatment with PKI 166 and more so with PKI 166 plus Taxol significantly inhibited phosphorylation of EGF-R on tumor and endothelial cells and induced significant apoptosis and endothelial cells within tumor lesions. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that endothelial cells exposed to EGF produced by tumor cells express activated EGF-R and that targeting EGF-R can produce significant therapeutic effects against prostate cancer bone metastasis.

Administration, Oral↗

Regression of primary murine colon cancer and occult liver metastasis by intralesional injection of lyophilized preparation of insect cells producing murine interferon-beta.

We investigated the efficacy of interferon (IFN)-beta therapy against colon cancer using a novel approach mediated by a lyophilized preparation of High 5 (H5) insect cells transduced with a recombinant baculovirus encoding murine IFN-beta (H5BVIFN-beta). The orthotopic model of CT-26 murine colon cancer in syngeneic BALB/c mice was used in the study, and H5BVIFN-beta was intratumorally delivered. Two injections of H5BVIFN-beta (on days 14 and 21 after tumor cell implantation), but not lyophilized H5 cells (control), significantly reduced the size of cecal tumors and the number of liver metastases. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that cecal tumors injected with saline or H5 contained many proliferating cells (PCNA+) and few apoptotic cells (TUNEL+). In sharp contrast, H5BVIFN-beta-treated tumors contained fewer PCNA+ cells and significantly more TUNEL+ cells. The H5BVIFN-beta-treated tumors were infiltrated by a large number of CD8+ and F4/80+ cells and expressed a high level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Immunofluorescent double staining technique demonstrated a significant increase of apoptotic endothelial cells (CD-31+/TUNEL+) in tumors treated with H5BVIFN-beta. In conclusion, the data show that intralesional injections of H5BVIFN-beta can suppress the progressive growth of established orthotopic tumors of colon cancer cells and occult liver metastasis. The therapeutic effects directly correlate with destruction of tumor vasculature.

Animals↗

Administration of optimal biological dose and schedule of interferon alpha combined with gemcitabine induces apoptosis in tumor-associated endothelial cells and reduces growth of human pancreatic carcinoma implanted orthotopically in nude mice.

PURPOSE: We determined whether chronic administration of IFN-alpha at optimal biological dose inhibits angiogenesis of human pancreatic carcinoma growing in the pancreas of nude mice. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Cells of the human pancreatic cancer cell line L3.6pl were implanted into the pancreas of nude mice. Seven days later, groups of mice received s.c. injection with IFN-alpha alone (50,000 units biweekly or 10,000 units daily), i.p. injection with gemcitabine alone (125 mg/kg biweekly), or injection with both daily IFN-alpha and biweekly gemcitabine for 35 days. In a survival study, the mice were treated until they became moribund. RESULTS: Biweekly treatments with 50,000 units of IFN-alpha alone were ineffective. In contrast, daily injections of IFN-alpha (10,000 units/day) alone, biweekly injections of gemcitabine alone, or the combination of IFN-alpha and gemcitabine reduced tumor volume by 53%, 70%, and 87%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that treatment with IFN-alpha alone or with IFN-alpha plus gemcitabine inhibited expression of the proangiogenic molecules basic fibroblast growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 9 more than did treatment with gemcitabine alone. These treatments also decreased the staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen within the tumor and induced apoptosis in tumor-associated mouse endothelial cells (staining with CD31/terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling), leading to a decrease in microvessel density. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that administration of IFN-alpha at optimal biological dose and schedule in combination with gemcitabine induced apoptosis in tumor-associated endothelial cells and decreased growth of human pancreatic cancer cells in the pancreas, leading to a significant increase in survival.

Animals↗

The relative mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase to E-cadherin in prostate biopsy specimens distinguishes organ-confined from advanced prostate cancer at radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the expression ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) to E-cadherin mRNA (MMP:E-cadherin) in biopsy (BX) samples of prostate cancer correlate with that of radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and assists in predicting pathologic stage. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The mRNA expression levels for MMP-2 and -9 and of E-cadherin were determined by a colorimetric in situ hybridization assay in 44 paired BX and RP specimens. Clinical stage, BX Gleason score (GS), total length of cancer in BX cores, and serum prostate-specific antigen levels were also assessed. RESULTS: Clinical stage was confined in 39 of 44 (89%) patients. Subsequent to RP, however, only 17 of 44 (39%) patients had proven organ-confined disease (pT2). BX GSs agreed with the RP GS in 77% of RP specimens. We found a strong correlation between BX and RP MMP:E-cadherin ratios (correlation coefficient = 0.755). The ratio increased as the GS increased and pathologic stage advanced (pT2 versus >/= pT3). Increasing clinical stage, GS, and serum prostate-specific antigen were significantly associated with advanced cancer at RP (P = 0.004-0.0001). The BX MMP:E-cadherin ratio, however, exhibited the strongest association with pathologic stage and independently predicted the status of 89% of the RP cases based on a BX ratio of <6 (predicted stage pT2 cancer at RP) versus >/=6 (predicted stage >/= pT3 at RP). CONCLUSION: The BX MMP:E-cadherin ratio represents a novel prognostic assay for predicting stage of cancer at RP. These data provide proof of principle for directly assessing the biological potential of prostate cancer using molecular strategies in patient's specimens.

Biopsy↗

Inhibition of growth and metastasis of orthotopic human prostate cancer in athymic mice by combination therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha-2b and docetaxel.

We evaluated whether treatment of orthotopic human prostate cancer in nude mice with pegylated IFN-alpha-2b (PEG-IFN-alpha-2b) and docetaxel could represent a two-compartment targeting of primary tumor (tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells) and inhibition of regional lymph node metastasis. The antiangiogenic properties of IFN were combined with the cytotoxic properties of docetaxel, resulting in apoptosis of both tumor cells and endothelium and hence significant inhibition of primary tumor growth. We first determined the optimal biological dose of PEG-IFN-alpha-2b (70,000 IU/week) necessary to down-regulate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloprotease-9, and matrix metalloprotease-2. The therapeutic dose of docetaxel (10 mg/kg/week) was determined by efficacy and minimal body weight loss. Therapy beginning 3 days after orthotopic implantation of PC3-MM2 prostate cancer cells reduced tumor weight by 37% in mice treated with PEG-IFN-alpha-2b, by 60% in mice treated with docetaxel, and by 83% in those given both drugs. PEG-IFN-alpha-2b also induced apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells and hence a significant decrease in microvessel density. Our data indicate that the combination of PEG-IFN-alpha and docetaxel inhibits neoplastic angiogenesis by inducing a decrease in the local production of proangiogenic molecules by tumor cells, resulting in increased apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Contributions of stromal metalloproteinase-9 to angiogenesis and growth of human ovarian carcinoma in mice.

BACKGROUND: The expression level of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-2 and MMP-9, in ovarian cancer cells is directly associated with their invasive and metastatic potentials. MMP-9 is also expressed in stromal cells adjacent to the tumor. To investigate the contribution of MMP-9 expression in stromal cells to ovarian tumor growth, we examined angiogenesis and progressive growth of human ovarian cancer cells implanted into mice with and without the MMP-9 gene. METHODS: Human ovarian cancer cells SKOV3.ip1 and HEY-A8 were implanted into the peritoneal cavities of nude mice that lacked the gene for MMP-9 (MMP-9(-/-)) or were wild type for MMP-9 (MMP-9(+/+)) (10 mice of each genotype per cell line). Tumor incidence, tumor size, and volume of ascites fluid were recorded for each mouse at 30 and 45 days after HEY-A8 and SKOV3.ip1 cell injections, respectively. Blood vessel density and macrophage infiltration into the lesions were analyzed in excised tumors by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. Tumor growth was also studied in MMP-9(-/-) nude mice that had been reconstituted with spleen cells collected from either MMP-9(+/+) or MMP-9(-/-) nude mice. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: HEY-A8 cells expressed high levels of MMP-9, and SKOV3.ip1 cells expressed low levels. Nevertheless, tumor incidence and growth were statistically significantly lower in MMP-9(-/-) mice than in MMP-9(+/+) mice injected with cells from either line (for tumor size, P =.006 and.042 for HEY-A8 and SKOV3.ip1 cells, respectively). Compared with MMP-9(+/+) mice injected with human ovarian cancer cells, MMP-9(-/-) mice injected with human ovarian cancer cells displayed decreased microvessel density and decreased macrophage infiltration into the lesions. Compared with MMP-9(-/-) mice that received spleen cells (a rich source of macrophages) from MMP-9(-/-) mice, those that received spleen cells from MMP-9(+/+) mice before cancer cell injections displayed increased angiogenesis and tumorigenicity of the cancer cells. The growing tumors contained MMP-9-expressing macrophages. CONCLUSION: Host-derived MMP-9 expression, most likely in tumor-infiltrating macrophages, appears to play a critical role in angiogenesis and progressive growth of human ovarian tumors in mice.

Animals↗

Specific immunotherapy against occult cancer metastases.

We investigated the efficacy of a preparation containing High Five (H5) insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus encoding the murine interferon-beta gene (H5BVIFN-beta) against established primary tumors and occult lung metastases. Injection of live or lyophilized H5BVIFN-beta into established subcutaneous tumors of the highly metastatic murine UV-2237m fibrosarcoma or K-1735M2 melanoma in syngeneic mice eradicated both primary tumors and preexisting lung metastases. The therapeutic effects of H5BVIFN-beta were not observed in nude mice and were diminished in syngeneic mice depleted of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumors injected with H5BVIFN-beta were densely infiltrated by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in mice with normal CD4/CD8 complement. These data demonstrate that, unlike most immunologic approaches in which prophylaxis can be achieved but eradication of established tumor is rare, lyophilized preparations of H5BVIFN-beta can serve as a novel immunotherapy against both primary tumors and their occult metastases.

Animals↗

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as vehicles for interferon-beta delivery into tumors.

Molecules that physiologically control cell proliferation are often produced locally in tissues and are rapidly destroyed when they enter circulation. This allows local effects while avoiding interference with other systems. Unfortunately, it also limits the therapeutic use of these molecules via systemic delivery. We here demonstrate that, for the purpose of anticancer therapy, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can produce biological agents locally at tumor sites. We show that the tumor microenvironment preferentially promotes the engraftment of MSCs as compared with other tissues. MSCs with forced expression of IFN-beta inhibited the growth of malignant cells in vivo. Importantly, this effect required the integration of MSCs into the tumors and could not be achieved by systemically delivered IFN-beta or by IFN-beta produced by MSCs at a site distant from the tumors. Our results indicate that MSCs may serve as a platform for delivery of biological agents in tumors.

Adenoviridae↗

Stat1 negatively regulates angiogenesis, tumorigenicity and metastasis of tumor cells.

Stat1 is deficient or inactive in many types of human tumors whereas some tumors have activated Stat1. Whether Stat1 affects tumor growth and metastasis is unclear. In the present study, we used Stat1 knockout tumor cells to determine (1) whether Stat1 can regulate angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis of tumor cells; and (2) whether Stat1 is required for the inhibitory effect of IFN-beta on the expression of angiogenic factor bFGF. Highly tumorigenic and metastatic RAD-105 tumor cells derived from a fibrosarcoma of a Stat1 knockout mouse were reconstituted with a Stat1 expression vector. The reconstitution of Stat1 suppressed the tumorigenicity and metastasis of RAD-105 cells in nude mice which correlated with a decreased microvessel density and decreased expression of proangiogenic molecules bFGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in vivo. Moreover, noncytotoxic concentrations of IFN-beta significantly inhibited the in vitro expression of bFGF in the Stat1-reconstituted cells but not in the Stat1-deficient cells, which was consistent with decreased bFGF expression of Stat1-reconstituted tumors in vivo. Therefore, Stat1 is essential for IFN-mediated inhibition of bFGF production, suggesting that tumor-intrinsic Stat1 is an important mediator for antiangiogenic signals, such as IFN. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Stat1 expressed by tumor cells is a negative regulator of tumor angiogenesis and, hence, tumor growth and metastasis.

Animals↗

Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling for therapy of metastatic human pancreatic cancer.

We determined whether concurrent blockage of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling by two novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PTK 787 and PKI 166, respectively, can inhibit angiogenesis and, hence, the growth and metastasis of human pancreatic carcinoma in nude mice. Highly metastatic human pancreatic carcinoma L3.6pl cells were injected into the pancreas of nude mice. Seven days later, groups of mice began receiving oral doses of PTK 787 and PKI 166 three times weekly. Some groups of mice also received i.p. injections of gemcitabine twice a week. The mice were necropsied when the control mice became moribund. Treatment with PTK 787 and PKI 166, with gemcitabine alone, or with the combination of PTK 787, PKI 166, and gemcitabine produced 69, 50, and 97% reduction in the volume of pancreatic tumors, respectively. Administration of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and gemcitabine also significantly decreased the incidence of lymph node and liver metastasis. The therapeutic efficacy directly correlated with a decrease in circulating proangiogenic molecules (VEGF, interleukin-8), a decrease in microvessel density, a decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining, and an increase in apoptosis of tumor cells and endothelial cells. Therapies produced by combining gemcitabine with either PKI 166 or PTK 787 were similar to those produced by combining gemcitabine with both PKI 166 and PTK 787. These results suggest that blockade of either epidermal growth factor receptor or VEGF receptor signaling combined with chemotherapy provides an effective approach to the therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Targeted molecular therapy for oral cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor blockade: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) is associated with increased malignant potential and correlates with poor clinical outcome in head and neck cancer. Therefore, inhibition of the EGF-R pathway provides an ideal target for molecular therapy. We examined in vitro and in vivo effects of PKI166, an orally administered EGF-R inhibitor, on 2 human squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity cell lines, Tu159 and MDA1986. STUDY DESIGN: Basic science, laboratory investigation. RESULTS: For Western blotting, Tu159 and MDA1986 cells were pretreated for 1 hour and then stimulated with EGF. The EGF-R-specific tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation was inhibited completely by PKI166 at all doses tested (1-10 micro g/mL). By means of a tetrazolium-based viable cell assay, PKI166 was shown to arrest the growth of Tu159 and MDA1986 cells. The inhibitory concentration (50%), calculated from regression lines on the linear portion of the growth inhibition graphs, was 0.18 micro M (R = 0.98) for Tu159 cells and 0.23 micro M (R = 0.97) for MDA1986 cells. Nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 1 x 10(6) Tu159 tumor cells and observed for 7 days. Next, daily doses of PKI166 (0, 10, or 50 mg/kg) were delivered by orogastric lavage for 28 days and the animals were observed for tumor growth. PKI166 significantly reduced tumor growth in mice treated for 1 month with oral PKI166 in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted molecular therapy with EGF-R blockade arrests the growth of oral cancer in vitro and reduces its proliferation in an experimental xenograft animal model.

Animals↗

Critical determinants of metastasis.

The major cause of death from cancer is due to metastases that are resistant to conventional therapies. Several reasons account for the failure to treat metastases. First, neoplasms are biologically heterogeneous and contain subpopulations of cells with different angiogenic, invasive, and metastatic properties. Second, the process of metastasis selects for a small subpopulation of cells that preexist within a parental neoplasm. Third, and perhaps the greatest obstacle for therapy, is that the outcome of metastasis depends on multiple interactions ('cross-talk') of metastatic cells with homeostatic mechanisms which the tumor cells usurp. Most recent data demonstrate that the organ microenvironment can influence the growth, invasion, and response of metastases to chemotherapy. Therapy of metastasis should therefore be targeted against both the metastatic tumor cells and the homeostatic factors that promote metastasis.

Animals↗

Blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling on tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells for therapy of human carcinomas.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and activated EGF-R by tumor-associated endothelial cells is influenced by interaction with specific growth factors in the microenvironment. Different human carcinoma cell lines expressing EGF-R with low or high levels of EGF/transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha were implanted into orthotopic organs of nude mice. In the EGF/TGF-alpha-positive bladder cancer (253J-BV), pancreatic cancer (L3.6pl), and renal cancer (RBM1-IT) but not in the EGF/TGF-alpha-negative renal cancer SN12-PM6, tumor-associated endothelial cells expressed EGF-R and activated EGF-R. Mice were implanted with human 253J-BV bladder tumors (EGF+) or human SN12-PM6 renal tumors (EGF-). Treatment with oral PKI 166 (a specific inhibitor of EGF-R phosphorylation) alone, intraperitoneal paclitaxel alone (253J-BV), gemcitabine alone (SN12-PM6), or combination of PKI 166 and chemotherapy produced a 60%, 32%, or 81% reduction in the volume of 253J-BV bladder tumors, respectively, and 26%, 23%, or 51% reduction in the volume of SN12-PM6 kidney tumors, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated down-regulation of activated EGF-R in EGF/TGF-alpha-positive and EGF/TGF-alpha-negative lesions from mice treated with PKI 166, although apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells was found only in EGF/TGF-alpha-positive tumors. Collectively, these data suggest that expression of activated EGF-R by tumor-associated endothelial cells provides an important target for therapy.

Animals↗

The seed and soil hypothesis: vascularisation and brain metastases.

The development of a relevant mouse model for the establishment and growth of brain metastases is essential for study of the biology and therapy of brain metastasis. Injection of human tumour cells into the internal carotid artery of syngeneic or nude mice produces experimental metastases in specific regions of the brain; these are not due to patterns of initial cell arrest, motility, or invasiveness, but rather to the ability of metastatic tumour cells to grow. Whether the progressive growth of brain metastases depends on neovascularisation is not clear. Immunohistochemical and morphometric analyses show that the density of blood vessels within experimental metastases in the brains of nude mice, or within brain metastases derived from human lung cancer, is lower than in the adjacent, tumour-free brain parenchyma. However, blood vessels associated with brain metastases are dilated and contain many dividing endothelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis also reveals that tumour cells located less than 100 microm from a blood vessel are viable, whereas more distant tumour cells undergo apoptosis. The blood-brain barrier is intact in and around experimental brain metastases smaller than 0.25 mm in diameter, but is leaky in larger metastases. Nevertheless, the lesions are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. The way in which the brain microenvironment influences the biological behaviour of tumour cells is a subject of intense investigation.

Animals↗

Evidence for the causal role of endogenous interferon-alpha/beta in the regulation of angiogenesis, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of cutaneous neoplasms.

Primary tumor growth and metastasis depend on angiogenesis, which is determined by the balance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules. Interferon (IFN)-alpha and -beta inhibit angiogenesis through downregulation of interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and basic fibroblast growth factor. To provide evidence for the causal role of IFN-alpha/beta in the induction of neoplasms, their angiogenesis, and hence, progressive growth, we carried out experiments using 129S6 IFN-alpha/beta receptor -/- mice back-crossed to BALB/c nude mice. Subcutaneous angiogenesis was determined following implantation of gelfoam sponges containing 0.4% agarose and several proangiogenic molecules. Tumorigenicity and production of lung metastasis were determined subsequent to subcutaneous and intravenous injections, respectively, of highly metastatic A375SM human melanoma cells. Carcinogenesis was induced by chronic exposure of mice to UVB radiation (5 kJ/m2, 3 times/week). Angiogenesis, tumorigenicity, and production of metastasis, as well as development of autochthonous skin tumors, were all accelerated in IFN-alpha/beta receptor -/- mice as compared to control mice. Collectively, the data show that inability to respond to endogenous IFN-alpha/beta (through a mutation in the IFN-alpha/beta receptor) leads to increased susceptibility to carcinogenesis, enhanced angiogenesis, tumorigenicity, and metastasis.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

The organ microenvironment and cancer metastasis.

Primary neoplasms are biologically heterogeneous and the process of metastasis consists of a series of sequential, selective steps that few cells can complete. The outcome of cancer metastasis depends on multiple interactions between metastatic cells and homeostatic mechanisms that are unique to one or another organ microenvironment. The specific organ microenvironment determines the extent of cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and survival. Therapy of metastasis should therefore be targeted not only against tumor cells, but also against the host factors that contribute to and support the progressive growth and survival of metastatic cancer cells.

Animals↗