Background/aim: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, is a target for ovarian cancer therapy. The present study investigated the administration schedule of BK-UM, an anticancer agent targeting HB-EGF.
Materials and methods: The ovarian cancer cell line, RMG-I, was injected subcutaneously into five-week-old female nude mice. The BK-UM was administered intraperitoneally, using three administration schedules with different doses. The tumor volume was calculated every week. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.
Results: At doses >0.1 mg/kg, BK-UM displayed significant antitumor effects, although the antitumor effects and body weights of mice did not significantly differ by dose or by three different administration schedules. At a dose <0.1 mg/kg, however, BK-UM had little inhibitory effect on tumor growth.
Conclusion: Daily administration of BK-UM, which has a potentially dose-dependent antitumor effect, may be the optimal schedule for clinical application.
Keywords: BK-UM (CRM197); HB-EGF; ovarian cancer; preclinical study.
Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.