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Oxidation therapy: the use of a reactive oxygen species-generating enzyme system for tumour treatment

O Ben-Yoseph1, B D Ross

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0553.

British Journal of Cancer
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces oxidation therapy using polyethylene glycol-stabilised glucose oxidase (PEG-GO) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for solid tumor treatment. Intratumoral PEG-GO significantly delayed tumor growth in rats, showing promise for cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce cytotoxicity through DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation.
  • Harnessing ROS's cytotoxic potential offers a novel strategy for solid tumor treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-stabilised glucose oxidase (GO) as an intratumoral agent for generating ROS to treat solid tumors.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic effect and systemic toxicity of PEG-GO in a rat glioma model.

Main Methods:

  • PEG-GO was administered via intratumoral injections in a rat 9L glioma model.
  • Tumor growth delay was assessed and compared to controls receiving heat-denatured PEG-GO.
  • Systemic toxicity was managed with PEG-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD) and PEG-catalase.
  • In vivo tumor metabolic changes were monitored using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS).
  • In vitro sensitization of glioma cells to hydrogen peroxide using buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) was investigated.

Main Results:

  • Intratumoral PEG-GO administration resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth compared to controls.
  • Metabolic monitoring revealed a substantial reduction in the ATP/Pi ratio and intracellular pH in tumors.
  • Rats were protected from systemic toxicity by PEG-SOD and PEG-catalase administration.
  • In vitro studies showed a 3-fold sensitization of glioma cells to hydrogen peroxide with BSO preincubation.

Conclusions:

  • Intratumoral PEG-GO demonstrates significant efficacy in delaying solid tumor growth, suggesting potential as an oxidation therapy.
  • The PEG-stabilised enzyme system offers a method to harness ROS for cancer treatment while managing systemic toxicity.
  • Further exploration of this ROS-generating enzyme system for solid tumor treatment is warranted.

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