Inhibition of the metastatic spread and growth of B16‐BL6 murine melanoma by a synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat was tested for its ability to inhibit growth and metastatic spread of the B16‐BL6 murine melanoma in syngeneic C57BL/6N mice. Intraperitoneal administration of batimastat resulted in a significant inhibition in the number of lung colonies produced by B16‐BL6 cells injected i.v. The effect of batimastat on spontaneous metastases was examined in mice inoculated in the hind footpad with B16‐BL6 melanoma. The primary tumor was removed surgically after 26‐28 days. Batimastat was administered twice a day from day 14 to day 28 (pre‐surgery) or from day 26 to day 44 (post‐surgery). With both protocols, the median number of lung metastases was not significantly affected, but there was a significant reduction in the weight of the metastases. Finally, the effect of batimastat was examined on s.c. growth of B16‐BL6 melanoma. Batimastat administered daily, starting at day of tumor transplantation, resulted in a significant growth delay, whereas treatment starting at advanced stage tumor only reduced tumor growth marginally. Our results indicate that a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor can not only prevent the colonization of secondary organs by B16‐BL6 cells but also limit the growth of solid tumors.