Objective: To investigate the effects of endostar, a recombined humanized endostatin, plus cisplatin on the growth, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in mice. Methods: A tumor model were established in C57BL/6 mice by intravenious transplantation of LLC cells. Then the mice were randomized to receive administration with NS, endostar, cisplatin, or endostar plus cisplatin. After the mice were sacrificed, tumor multiplicity, tumor size and lymph node metastasis were assessed. Then the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-c (VEGF-C) and podoplanin were determined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Endostar plus cisplatin significantly suppressed tumor growth. lymphatic metastasis and prolonged survival time of the mice without obvious toxicity. The inhibition of lymphatic metastasis was associated with decreased microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) and expression of VEGF-C. Conclusions: Endostar combined with cisplatin was more effective to suppress tumor growth and lymphatic metastasis than either agent alone. Thus this may provide a rational alternative for lung carcinoma treatment.

Endostar significantly inhibits the lymphatic tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma xenografts, and its inhibitory effect is due to its ability to partially regulate the tumor expression of VEGF-C.