Anti-tumor Effect of Intravenous Administration of CRM197 for Triple-negative Breast Cancer Therapy

Anticancer Res. 2016 Jul;36(7):3651-7.

Abstract

Background/aim: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), which belongs to the epidermal growth factor family, is a rational therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) HB-EGF-specific inhibitor (CRM197) for TNBC.

Materials and methods: NOD/SCID mice were subcutaneously injected withTNBC cells, MDA-MB-231, and, then, treated with i.v. CRM197 in either dose- or frequency-dependent manners, using an advanced cancer model and an adjuvant therapy model. Tumor volume and mouse body weight were calculated weekly. Statistical significance was assessed by the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: Mice that received i.v. CRM197 showed a significant anti-tumor effect in dose- and frequency-dependent manners in both models. However, their body weight did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusion: These results suggest that i.v. CRM197 is an effective treatment for TNBC.

Keywords: CRM197; HB-EGF; triple-negative breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bacterial Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, SCID
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tumor Burden
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • CRM197 (non-toxic variant of diphtheria toxin)