Induction of endothelial cell apoptosis by the antivascular agent 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid
2002

Endothelial Cell Death Induced by DMXAA

Sample size: 3 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ching L-M, Cao Z, Kieda C, Zwain S, Jameson M B, Baguley B C

Primary Institution: Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Does DMXAA induce apoptosis in endothelial cells in murine and human tumors?

Conclusion

DMXAA can induce vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in some murine and human tumors, independent of tumor necrosis factor induction.

Supporting Evidence

  • DMXAA induced dose-dependent apoptosis in murine endothelial cells in vitro.
  • Selective apoptosis of endothelial cells was detected in vivo in tumor sections within 30 minutes of DMXAA administration.
  • Apoptosis was not observed in liver tissue or in all patients treated with DMXAA.

Takeaway

DMXAA is a drug that can make the blood vessels in tumors die, which might help treat cancer.

Methodology

The study used in vitro assays on murine endothelial cells and in vivo models with tumor-bearing mice, along with tumor biopsies from patients.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and did not observe apoptosis in all patients treated with DMXAA.

Participant Demographics

Three patients with superficial tumors participated in the clinical trial.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600368

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