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Published on: December 1, 2016
The efficacy of Paclitaxel on solid tumour analysed by ATP bioluminescence assay and VEGF expression: a translational
W T Y Loo1, J H M Fong, M N B Cheung
1Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, China.
Background:
Paclitaxel (Taxol), is known to induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting the depolymerisation of microtubules. Tumour growth and metastasis are affected by the metabolic rate and angiogenesis. We investigated the effect of Paclitaxel on tumour metabolism and markers of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Materials And Methods:
Tissue samples of 39 patients diagnosed with invasive carcinoma were obtained. The solid tumours were cultured with Paclitaxel at a concentration of 4.27 ug/ml for 24 h. The metabolic rate of the samples was measured by ATP Bioluminescence assay and the levels of VEGF in culture medium were measured by ELISA.
Result:
The mean ATP concentration of control and test groups were 7.169 and 5.004 rlu/ml, respectively, suggesting that the metabolic rate was inhibited by Paclitaxel. The mean VEGF levels in the control and test groups were 5.335 and 4.567 pg/ml, respectively. All data analysed were statistically significant (P < 0.005). The finding of the study showed that Paclitaxel could inhibit metabolic rate in solid tumour. It could also downregulate VEGF.
Conclusion:
Our result suggested that Paclitaxel is an effective cytotoxic possibly with anti-angiogenic effects.
Insights
Paclitaxel effectively inhibits solid tumor metabolic rate and downregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This suggests Paclitaxel has potential anti-angiogenic effects, impacting tumor growth and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Paclitaxel (Taxol) induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting microtubule depolymerization.
- Tumor growth and metastasis are influenced by metabolic rate and angiogenesis.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key marker of angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Paclitaxel on tumor metabolism.
- To evaluate Paclitaxel's impact on angiogenesis markers, specifically VEGF.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of invasive carcinoma tissue samples (n=39) with Paclitaxel (4.27 ug/ml for 24 h).
- Measurement of metabolic rate using ATP Bioluminescence assay.
- Quantification of VEGF levels in culture medium via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Paclitaxel significantly inhibited tumor metabolic rate, indicated by reduced ATP concentration (7.169 rlu/ml control vs. 5.004 rlu/ml test).
- Paclitaxel treatment led to a decrease in VEGF levels (5.335 pg/ml control vs. 4.567 pg/ml test).
- Statistical significance was observed for all analyzed data (P < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Paclitaxel demonstrates efficacy in inhibiting the metabolic rate of solid tumors.
- The study suggests Paclitaxel possesses potential anti-angiogenic properties by downregulating VEGF.
- Paclitaxel is proposed as an effective cytotoxic agent with possible anti-angiogenic effects.

