Degree of tumour vascularity correlates with drug accumulation and tumour response upon TNF-α-based isolated hepatic perfusion
2003

Tumour Vascularity and Drug Response in Liver Perfusion

Sample size: 36 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): van Etten B, de Vries M R, van IJken M G A, Lans T E, Guetens G, Ambagtsheer G, van Tiel S T, de Boeck G, de Bruijn E A, Eggermont A M M, ten Hagen T L M

Primary Institution: University Hospital Rotterdam-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center

Hypothesis

TNF-α causes specific destruction of tumour endothelial cells and thereby induces an increased permeability of tumour vasculature.

Conclusion

The study found that the antitumour effect of TNF-α is correlated with the tumour microvessel density.

Supporting Evidence

  • TNF-α in combination with chemotherapy has potent antitumour effects.
  • High complete response rates of 75–90% were observed in clinical trials.
  • Melphalan concentration in tumour tissue increased significantly when TNF-α was coadministered.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special protein called TNF-α can help cancer medicine work better by making the blood vessels in tumors more open.

Methodology

The study used a rat model with isolated hepatic perfusion to evaluate the effects of TNF-α and melphalan on tumour response.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a rat model, which may not fully replicate human responses.

Participant Demographics

Male inbred WAG/RIJ or Brown-Norway strain rats, weighing 250–300 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.005

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600707

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