Combining molecular targeted drugs to inhibit both cancer cells and activated stromal cells in gastric cancer.

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590918
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: KITADAI Yasuhiko 広島大学, 医歯薬保健学研究院(医), 准教授 (10304437)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 癌間質相互作用 / 分子標的治療 / 胃癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that increases the production of proteins that stimulate key cellular processes such as cell growth and proliferation, cell metabolism, and angiogenesis. In the present study, we examined the effects of PDGF-R tyrosine kinase inhibitor (nilotinib) and mTOR inhibitor (everolimus) on tumor stroma in an orthotopic nude mice model of human gastric cancer. Treatment with nilotinib did not suppress tumor growth but did significantly decrease stromal reactivity, lymphatic invasion, lymphatic vessel area, and pericyte coverage of tumor microvessels. In contrast, treatment with everolimus decreased tumor growth and microvessel density but not stromal reactivity. Nilotinib and everolimus in combination reduced both the growth rate and stromal reaction. Target molecule-based inhibition of cancer-stromal cell interaction appears promising as an effective anti-tumor therapy.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学