Increased basic fibroblast growth factor release and proliferation in xenotransplanted squamous cell carcinoma after combined irradiation/anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

Novel strategies of cancer therapy combine irradiation and anti-angiogenic active compounds. However, little is known concerning the undesired cellular and molecular effects caused by this novel treatment concept. We used a mouse squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) xenotransplantation model to evaluate the potential undesired effects which compromise the success of this therapeutic combination. SCCs were subcutanously implanted in nude mice. Animals were treated with a fractionated irradiation scheme (5x4 Gy) alone or in combination with daily injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. Controls remained untreated. Before and after treatment, resonance imaging (MRI), …