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BCG treatment of human tumour xenografts in athymic nude mice
Abstract:
Xenografts of 3 human malignant cell lines in congenitally athymic nude mice have been examined for susceptibility to BCG. Growth of all 3 tumours, a bladder carcinoma, a melanoma and a colon carcinoma, was suppressed when cells were injected in admixture with BCG. Distant injection of BCG was ineffective. Mice with progressive growths had no detectable anti-human antibody, and rejection of cells and BCG failed to confer protection against subsequent tumour challenge. These studies indicate that human malignant cells are susceptible to local BCG-activated host responses, and that athymic mouse xenografts may be a useful model for assessing the response of human tumours to such agents.
Insights
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) suppressed human tumor growth in mice when injected locally. This study suggests athymic mouse xenografts are a useful model for evaluating BCG
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an immunotherapy agent.
- Human tumor xenografts in mice are used to study cancer growth and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of BCG in suppressing the growth of human malignant cell lines in a mouse model.
- To evaluate the potential of athymic mouse xenografts as a model for assessing BCG's anti-tumor activity.
Main Methods:
- Xenotransplantation of three human malignant cell lines (bladder carcinoma, melanoma, colon carcinoma) into congenitally athymic nude mice.
- Co-injection of BCG with tumor cells or distant injection of BCG.
- Monitoring tumor growth and assessing host immune response (anti-human antibody detection).
Main Results:
- Local co-injection of BCG with tumor cells suppressed the growth of all three human malignant xenografts.
- Distant BCG injection did not inhibit tumor growth.
- Mice with progressive tumors showed no detectable anti-human antibodies.
- Prior tumor rejection and BCG treatment did not protect against subsequent tumor challenges.
Conclusions:
- Human malignant cells are susceptible to local BCG-activated host immune responses.
- Athymic mouse xenografts represent a valuable preclinical model for evaluating the therapeutic potential of BCG against human tumors.