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Tumoricidal effects of onconase on various tumors

I Lee1, Y H Lee, S M Mikulski

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6072, USA. ilee2@mail.med.upenn.edu

Abstract

Insights

Onconase (Onc) exhibits potent anti-tumor effects, inhibiting cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. This novel agent also reduces tumor interstitial fluid pressure, improving drug delivery and potentially enhancing radiation therapy efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Therapeutics
  • Tumor Physiology

Background:

  • Elevated tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) impedes effective drug delivery in solid tumors.
  • Onconase (Onc) is being investigated for its anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anti-tumor effects of Onconase (Onc) in vitro and in vivo.
  • To determine if Onc can reduce TIFP in solid tumors.
  • To assess Onc's impact on tumor physiological parameters like blood flow and oxygenation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized clonogenic and growth delay assays to assess Onc's anti-tumoricidal effects.
  • Measured Onc-induced changes in tumor physiological parameters, including TIFP, tumor blood flow (TBF), and tumor oxygen partial pressure (pO(2)).

Main Results:

  • Onconase demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects against eight exponentially growing cancer cell lines in vitro.
  • In vivo studies showed Onc effectively inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors and significantly reduced TIFP.
  • Onc treatment led to increased tumor blood flow (TBF) and median tumor oxygen partial pressure (pO(2)).

Conclusions:

  • Onconase exhibits broad anti-tumor activity against various cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Onc's ability to reduce TIFP suggests a potential mechanism for improving therapeutic drug delivery.
  • Increased TBF and tumor pO(2) indicate Onconase's potential as a novel radiation enhancer, warranting further investigation into its combined use with radiation therapy.

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