SOD derivatives prevent metastatic tumor growth aggravated by tumor removal

Kenji Hyoudou1, Makiya Nishikawa, Yuki Kobayashi

  • 1Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.

Insights

Surgical tumor removal can worsen metastasis by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) derivatives effectively inhibit this ROS-induced tumor growth and improve survival in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Surgical tumor removal, while aggressive, can paradoxically promote metastasis.
  • Surgical procedures generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are implicated in tumor growth and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if superoxide dismutase (SOD) derivatives can inhibit micrometastasis growth post-tumor removal.
  • To determine the role of ROS in post-surgical tumor metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Murine melanoma cells (B16-BL6) were used to establish spontaneous pulmonary metastasis in mice.
  • Footpad tumors were surgically removed, and plasma lipoperoxides and lung tumor cells were quantified.
  • Mice received intravenous injections of SOD or pegylated-SOD derivatives.

Main Results:

  • Tumor removal significantly increased plasma lipoperoxides and lung metastatic tumor cells.
  • SOD and pegylated-SOD administration significantly inhibited peroxidation and metastatic tumor growth.
  • Treatment with SOD derivatives extended the survival period of mice.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor removal generates ROS, exacerbating the growth of micrometastases.
  • SOD derivatives effectively mitigate post-surgical tumor metastasis by detoxifying ROS.
  • SOD derivatives represent a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis.

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