A. Matsubara

110 Combination therapy using molecular-targeted drugs inhibiting platelet-derived growth factor receptors in the tumor microenvironment of renal cell carcinoma

42 mitogen-activated protein kinase in ACHN cells compared with treatment with either agent alone, while the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and p53 after the combined treatment were significantly upregulated compared with those after treatment with either agent alone. In vivo systemic administration of OGX-011 plus axitinib significantly decreased the ACHN tumour volume compared with control ODN plus axitinib. Although no significant differences in the proportions of cells positive for Ki-67 immunostaining or TUNEL assay between the group treated with OGX-011 and that with control ODN, the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in ACHN tumors treated with OGX-011 and axitinib were markedly remarkable than those in ACHN tumors treated with control ODN and axitinib. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use with OGX-011 may be useful in enhancing the cytotoxic effect of axitinib on RCC by inducing apoptosis and inactivating major signal transduction pathways.