Abstract
1500
Objectives: Tumor growth and metastasis is likely controlled by a variety of cytokines, growth factors and angiogeneic factors. Experimental models have shown that local production of IL-1 or IL-18 influences tumor growth and metastasis. This sets up a foundation for using IL-18bp-Fc-IL-1ra fusion protein as in cancer therapy. Methods: BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 1.25 mg/kg IL-18bp-Fc-IL-1ra as a single dose before tail vein injection of 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cells stably transfected with firefly luciferase (fLuc) (105 cells/mouse). Mice in the control group were received daily i.p. injection of PBS, mice in the treatment group were received daily i.p. injection of 1.25 mg/kg of IL-18bp-Fc-IL-1ra fusion protein. The tumor burden in the lung was followed by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). The treatment efficacy was also characterized by microCT and FDG-PET. Results: BLI results showed that the tumor growth in the lung was significantly inhibited by administration of IL-18bp-Fc-IL-1ra fusion protein. 18F-FDG/PET also showed reduced glucose metabolism in the lung of the treated group versus the control group. MicroCT, biodistribution and autoradiography studies further confirmed the quantification capability of BLI and microPET imaging. Conclusions: The IL-18bp-Fc-IL-1ra fusion protein therapy is a promising strategy to inhibit breast cancer growth and spread. Non-invasive imaging techniques are capable of quantify the tumor burden and treatment efficacy.
- Society of Nuclear Medicine, Inc.