Inhibition of breast cancer progression by an antibody to a thrombospondin-1 receptor

Abstract

Background: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matrix-bound adhesive glycoprotein. Breast carcinoma cells exhibit increased expression of a novel TSP-1 receptor. We evaluated the role of this receptor in breast cancer adhesion and progression.

Methods: Adhesion assays were performed to evaluate MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell adhesion to TSP-1 in vitro in the presence of either nonimmune immunoglobulin G(IgG) or anti-TSP-1 receptor IgG. Receptor-mediated tumor cell progression was evaluated in athymic nude mice. Mice were inoculated with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and randomized to treatment with intraperitoneal injections of saline solution, nonspecific IgG antibody, or an anti-TSP-1 receptor antibody every other day for 20 days. Mice were killed at 21 days. The peritoneal cavity was examined grossly for primary tumor implantation. The liver and lungs were examined histologically for micrometastases.

Results: MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells adhered to TSP-1 in vitro. This adhesion was inhibited to 10% of control by anti-TSP-1 receptor antibody (p < 0.005). Anti-TSP-1 receptor antibody inhibited in vivo breast cancer progression. Mice treated with control IgG antibody or saline solution alone exhibited extensive intraperitoneal seeding. Only one mouse treated with the anti-TSP-1 receptor antibody exhibited any intraperitoneal tumor seeding (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: These data suggest that TSP-1 and its receptor play an important role in breast cancer progression.