[Study of thalidomide on the growth and angiogenesis of ovary cancer SKOV3 transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice]

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of thalidomide (Thd) used alone and in combination with cytoxan (CTX) on the growth and angiogenesis of human ovarian cancer transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice.

Methods: Human ovarian cancer model transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice was established, and divided into 3 groups: control group, Thd group, and Thd + CTX group. Tumor volume and weight, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA, VEGF protein, microvascular density (MVD) were detected. The level of VEGF mRNA in tumor tissue was determined by relative quantative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. VEGF protein level in serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MVD was calculated by immunohistochemistry.

Results: (1) Tumor volumes in Thd group and Thd + CTX group were smaller than those in control group (P < 0.05). (2) Expression of VEGF mRNA level in Thd group (55 +/- 9) and Thd + CTX group (26 +/- 7) was significantly lower than that in control group (79 +/- 7, P < 0.01). Serum VEGF level in Thd group, [(29 +/- 10) pg/ml] and Thd + CTX group [(12 +/- 6) pg/ml] was significantly lower than that in control group, [(71 +/- 16) pg/ml, P < 0.01]. (3) MVD in Thd group (12.6 +/- 3.3) and Thd + CTX group (10.6 +/- 1.9) was significantly smaller than that in control group (19.3 +/- 2.8, P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Thalidomide can inhibit the growth and angiogenesis of human ovarian cancer transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice. Treatment with thalidomide is a potentially useful antitumor therapy for ovarian cancer.