Anti-VEGFR2 and anti-IGF-1R-Adnectins inhibit Ewing's sarcoma A673-xenograft growth and normalize tumor vascular architecture

Angiogenesis. 2012 Dec;15(4):685-95. doi: 10.1007/s10456-012-9294-9. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

Abstract

Increasing experimental evidence suggests that IGF-1 may modulate tumor angiogenesis via activation of the expression of VEGF in Ewing sarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. This study investigates the effects of the PEGylated Adnectins™ CT-322, a VEGFR2-inhibitor and AT580Peg40, an IGF-1R inhibitor, as monotherapy and in combination in a murine A673 xenograft tumor model. The combination of Adnectins CT-322 and AT580Peg40 revealed a 83% reduction in tumor growth, a nearly 5 times lower vessel density, less necrotic areas and less appearance of intussusceptive angiogenesis. Monotherapy with IGF-1R or CT-322 revealed equally a significant inhibition of tumor and vessel growth. Combinatory inhibition of IGF-1R and VEGFR2 shows a downregulation of IGF-binding protein 2 and a compensatory upregulation of VEGF levels. Immunohistological analysis showed remodeling vascular effects of CT-322-treatment or combination therapy. The vascular architecture in Adnectin-treated tumors was characterized by a strong normalization of vasculature. 3D-evaluation in microvascular corrosion casts showed significantly higher intervascular and interbranching distances in Adnectin-treated tumors. CT-322-treatment and combinatory inhibition reveal a significant reduction of intussusceptive angiogenesis. These pronounced effects on tumor vasculature suggest potential therapeutic benefit of combinatorial IGF1- and VEGF-pathways inhibition in Ewing's sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Down-Regulation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / metabolism
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / blood supply
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / pathology*
  • Transplantation, Heterologous
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Receptor, IGF Type 1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2