Background:
Melittin has shown antiproliferative effects on
tumor cells. Therefore, it comprises a valuable compound for studies on
cancer treatment. To the best of our
knowledge, no studies have reported
melittin effects on
bone metastasis. Herein, we propose an approach based on intrametastatic
melittin injection to treat
bone metastases in
colorectal cancer.
Methods:
Following the characterization of
melittin and antiproliferative tests
in vitro, a
single dose was injected through intrametastatic route into the
mouse bone metastasis model. Following
treatment,
metastasis growth was evaluated.
Results:
A
single dose of
melittin was able to inhibit
metastasis growth. Histological
analysis showed
necrosis and inflammatory processes in
melittin-treated
metastasis. Except by mild
weight loss, no other systemic effects were observed.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that
melittin might be a promising agent for the
future development of
treatment strategies aiming to reduce the
bone metastasis skeletal-related impact in
colorectal cancer patients with
bone metastasis.(AU)