Anti-VEGF antibody suppresses primary tumor growth and metastasis in an experimental model of Wilms' tumor

Background/Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been show n previously to correlate with tumor growth and metastasis in an experiment al model of anaplastic Wilms' tumor. The authors hypothesized that treatmen t with anti-VEGF antibodies would suppress both primary tumor growth and me tastasis in this model. Methods: Tumors were induced in the right kidneys of nude mice by the injec tion of cultured Wilms' tumor cells. After 1 week, anti-VEGF treatment was begun with injection of either vehicle or an anti-VEGF antibody intraperito neally. Mice were killed after 4.5 weeks of treatment and tumor weights and the incidence of metastases evaluated. Results: Anti-VEGF treatment resulted in a greater than 95% reduction in tu mor weight (P <.0001). Anti-VEGF treatment also abolished the establishment of lung metastases (40% in control animals, P <.003). Cessation of treatme nt resulted in rebound tumor growth. Conclusion: Anti-VEGF therapy can suppress both primary tumor growth and th e establishment of metastases in experimental anaplastic Wilms' tumor. Copy right (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.