Objective: To study the inhibitory effect of CH50, a recombinant polypeptide consisting of 2 binding domains of human fibronectin, on the growth of B16/F1 melanoma in mice.
Methods: Mice inoculated with B16/F1 cells were treated with CH50. The growth inhibitory effect on i.p. inoculated tumor was assessed by the number and size of tumor nodules in the peritoneal cavity, and on s.c. inoculated tumor by tumor size.
Results: For s.c. inoculated B16/F1, CH50 injected at the tumor site led to 50% inhibition of tumor growth while injection at a distant site was much less effective. In mice bearing i.p. inoculated tumor, the growth inhibition by CH50 on tumor nodules < 1 mm in diameter was 80% and 50+% on those > 1 mm. Synergistic therapeutic effect was obtained when CH50 used in combination with hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT).
Conclusion: CH50 is effective in the treatment of B16/F1 melanoma. The effect can be enhanced when used in combination with HCPT.