The Anti-Angiogenic Effects of a Vegf Decoy Receptor Can Be Monitored In Vivo Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging

摘要: The development of anti-angiogenic therapies has stimulated interest in non-invasive imaging methods to monitor response. We investigated whether the effects a vascular endothelial growth factor decoy receptor (VEGF Trap; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY) could be monitored vivo using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Twenty nude mice (in two groups) were implanted with human melanoma cell line (DB-1). active group received VEGF Trap (4×25mg/kg over 2 weeks), while control an inactive protein. An contrast agent was injected followed by power Doppler (PDI) and pulse inversion harmonic (PIHI; regular intermittent). Specimens sectioned same planes as images stained for cells (CD31), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), hypoxia (Glut1). Measures tumor vascularity obtained different modes compared immunohistochemical markers angiogenesis. Mean volume smaller than (656±225 vs 1160±605mm3). Overall, PDI correlated (r=0.34; p=0.037). Vascularity decreased from treated intermittent PIHI did expression CD31 COX-2 (p≤0.02), increased (p=0.05). CEUS appears allow monitoring DB-1 xenograft model.