Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by chronic intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1.

The role of prostaglandins and their synthesis inhibitors in malignant disease is undefined. The following studies were done to determine the effects of continuous intravenous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, on tumor growth and metastasis in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma. Male B6D2F1 mice underwent tumor implantation in the right axilla on day 0. After 10 days of tumor growth, mice underwent intravenous (IV) catheterization and were infused with either PGE1 at 3 micrograms/kg/minute (PG-LOW), PGE1 at 6 micrograms/kg/minute (PG-HIGH), indomethacin (INDO) at 1 microgram/kg/minute, or normal saline (NS). After 10 days of infusion, tumor volume, tumor weight, and the number of metastases greater than 2 mm in diameter were significantly decreased, and tumor doubling time was significantly prolonged in the PG-HIGH group compared to NS controls. None of the other experimental groups showed differences in these parameters. A second experiment with a similar experimental design was done infusing PGE1 at 6 micrograms/kg/minute and at 12 micrograms/kg/minute to determine the maximum dose response of IV PGE1. Again a decrease in tumor volume, tumor weight, and metastatic rates were identified when compared to saline control, but there were no significant difference between the two doses of PGE1.