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THE DEMONSTRATION OF A TUMOR GROWTH-INHIBITING FACTOR FROM NORMAL HUMAN CONNECTIVE TISSUE
1Department of Surgery, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, N. Y.
Abstract:
Extracts from fresh normal human connective tissue (rectus sheath) exhibited a decided inhibiting action on grafts of Rat Tumor 256 transplanted into test animals. There was complete inhibition of tumor growth in 66 per cent of the animals; there was a marked retardation in the rate of growth in another 15 per cent, the tumors in these instances being much smaller than the controls transplanted at the same time. In only one experiment was there failure to obtain a lasting growth-inhibitory effect. The tumors in these animals (19 per cent) although showing an initial retardation in growth, apparently overcame the restraint and at the end of 5 weeks were larger than the control series. Extracts from fresh normal human muscle tissue, on the other hand, showed no such inhibiting action on grafts of Rat Tumor 256.
Insights
Human connective tissue extracts significantly inhibited Rat Tumor 256 growth in 66% of animals. Muscle tissue extracts showed no tumor-inhibiting effects, suggesting connective tissue
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Tissue Biology
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Normal human connective tissue may possess anti-tumor properties.
- Investigating the potential of tissue extracts in cancer research is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of human connective tissue (rectus sheath) and muscle tissue extracts on the growth of Rat Tumor 256.
- To evaluate the potential of normal human tissues as a source of anti-cancer agents.
Main Methods:
- Grafts of Rat Tumor 256 were transplanted into test animals.
- Animals were treated with extracts from normal human rectus sheath tissue.
- Control groups received no treatment or extracts from normal human muscle tissue.
Main Results:
- Rectus sheath extracts completely inhibited tumor growth in 66% of animals.
- Marked growth retardation was observed in 15% of animals, with smaller tumors compared to controls.
- 19% of animals showed initial growth retardation, but tumors eventually surpassed control sizes.
Conclusions:
- Normal human connective tissue extracts demonstrate significant tumor-inhibitory effects against Rat Tumor 256.
- Human muscle tissue extracts did not exhibit similar anti-tumor activity.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for connective tissue components in cancer treatment.

