Anti-tumor Effect of Intravenous Administration of CRM197 for Triple-negative Breast Cancer Therapy

Background/Aim: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), which belongs to the epidermal growth factor family, is a rational therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) HB-EGF-specific inhibitor (CRM197) for TNBC. Materials and Methods: NOD/SCID mice were subcutaneously injected with TNBC cells, MDA-MB-231, and, then, treated with i.v. CRM197 in either dose-or frequency-dependent manners, using an advanced cancer model and an adjuvant therapy model. Tumor volume and mouse body weight were calculated weekly. Statistical significance was assessed by the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Mice that received i.v. CRM197 showed a significant anti-tumor effect in dose-and frequency-dependent manners in both models. However, their body weight did not differ significantly among groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that i.v. CRM197 is an effective treatment for TNBC.