Inhibition of tumor cell metastasis by modulation of the vascular prostacyclin/thromboxane A2 system

Abstract

The interaction between metastasizing tumor cells and the hemostatic system of the host has been implicated in successful tumor cell dissemination. Prostacyclin (PGI₂) decreases metastasis from tail vein injected B16 amelanotic melanoma (B16a) cells when administered 15 min prior to tumor cells. This effect is potentiated by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Initial trapping of ¹²⁵I Udr labelled tumor cells in pulmonary vascular beds is unaltered by PGI₂ but retention time is decreased. PGI₂ decreases retention time even when administered 60 min post tumor cells. Structurally unrelated thromboxane (TX) synthetase inhibitors and a TXA₂ receptor antagonist also reduce metastasis from tail vein injected B16a cells. Furthermore, one inhibitor, 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)imidazole, when injected intraperitoneally reduced spontaneous metastasis from subcutaneous B16a and Lewis lung carcinoma tumors. These results suggest that selective manipulation of PGI₂ and TXA₂ can reduce the hematogenous spread of tumor cells.