Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
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Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies

Published on: September 30, 2016

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Lenvatinib Exhibits Potent Anti-tumor Activity and Favorable Safety Profile in a Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Model

Chen-Yu Kuo1, Tsai-Lan Liao2, Fei-Ting Hsu3

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Anticancer Research
|January 30, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lenvatinib effectively inhibits colorectal cancer (CRC) growth in mice by inducing apoptosis and inactivating the ERK pathway, demonstrating significant anti-tumor activity with minimal toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Lenvatinib is a multikinase inhibitor with demonstrated anti-tumor effects in various cancers.
  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in a colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model.
  • To elucidate the apoptotic mechanisms underlying lenvatinib's anti-tumor activity in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • HT-29 colorectal cancer xenografts were established in mice and treated with lenvatinib (0, 10, or 20 mg/kg) for 20 days.
  • Tumor growth, serum biochemistry, and histopathology were analyzed.
  • Protein expression related to ERK signaling and apoptosis was assessed via immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

  • Lenvatinib significantly suppressed CRC tumor growth, delaying progression up to 14-fold compared to controls.
  • No significant body weight loss or hepatic/renal toxicity was observed, indicating good tolerability.
  • Lenvatinib reduced phosphorylated ERK and anti-apoptotic proteins (BCL-2, c-FLIP, XIAP) by 30-50% and increased pro-apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9, BAX, BAK) by 1.2-1.5 fold.

Conclusions:

  • Lenvatinib demonstrates potent anti-CRC activity with a favorable safety profile.
  • Therapeutic effects are attributed to ERK pathway inactivation, reduced anti-apoptotic protein levels, and enhanced caspase-dependent apoptosis.
Keywords:
ERKLenvatinibanti-apoptosisapoptosiscolorectal cancer

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