The aim of the present study was to determine how Endostar inhibits tumor angiogenesis and increases radiation sensitivity when combined with radiotherapy. In vitro studies were conducted to analyze the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, using the antiangiogenesis drug Endostar combined with radiotherapy. In addition, lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell apoptosis was detected via Hoechst staining. The combination of Endostar with radiotherapy was investigated and the results indicated that this combination significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and TGF-β1, HIF-1α and bFGF expression. Changes in gene expression were found to promote apoptosis, thus, enhancing the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and ultimately inhibiting tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis.
Keywords: endostar; radiation sensitivity; radiotherapy; tumor angiogenesis.