ISSN:
1432-0843
Keywords:
Key words Taxanes
;
Cervical cancer
;
Apoptosis
;
Tubulin
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Using a model of human cervical cancer (ME-180 cells), the anti-tumour activity of paclitaxel was compared to that of docetaxel and IDN5109, a newly developed taxane. The growth inhibition effect of taxanes was assessed after 3 days of exposure. DNA analysis, the taxane-dependent modulation of the expression of the α and β subunits of tubulin and DNA fragmentation were assessed by flow cytometry. The presence of apoptosis was confirmed by morphological analysis using a laser scan cytometer. For the evaluation of “in vivo” anti-tumour activity, taxanes were administered to nude mice intravenously once daily, according to a q3/4d × 4 schedule. Docetaxel, IDN5109 and paclitaxel obtained “in vitro” IC50 values of 0.86, 1.4 and 2.4 nM, respectively. DNA analysis demonstrated a transient block at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle only after 12 h of culture in the presence of taxanes and an increase of nuclear fragmentation suggestive for apoptosis after additional 12 and 60 h of exposure. Morphological analysis confirmed the presence of apoptosis. Taxanes induced a down-modulation of the α subunit of tubulin in the G0/1 phase of the cell cycle, and an overexpression of the β subunit in the G2/M phase. A strong anti-tumour activity was obtained “in vivo” for nude mice xenografted using ME-180 cells (T/C=0% for all drugs). These data indicate that the three taxanes are strongly active both “in vitro” and “in vivo” toward ME-180 cells. Clinical studies are now needed to ascertain if the higher anti-tumour activity observed “in vitro” using docetaxel and IDN5109 yields a better clinical response in advanced cervical carcinoma with respect to paclitaxel.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002800050020
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