Effect of a novel somatostatin analogue combined with cytotoxic drugs on human tumour xenografts and metastasis of B16 melanoma

A novel somatostatin analogue, TT-232 (which inhibits the proliferation of various cell cultures and transplantable mouse tumours), was examined regarding its effect on human melanoma and lymphoma xenografts as a single treatment or in combination with DTIC (dacarbazine) and etoposide. TT-232 inhibited the growth of HT-18 melanoma xenografts, a dose of 5 mg kg(−1) being the most effective. Combination of 1 mg kg(−1) TT-232 with 30 or 60 mg kg(−1) DTIC (administered daily) resulted in a stronger inhibitory effect compared to TT-232 or DTIC as a single modality. Antimetastatic effect of TT-232 treatment combined with DTIC was studied using the B16 mouse melanoma muscle – lung metastasis model. The number of lung metastases of B16 melanoma could be decreased by the daily administration of 1 mg kg(−1) TT-232 or 60 mg kg(−1), but not of 30 mg kg(−1) DTIC. TT-232, combined with 30 or 60 mg kg(−1) DTIC decreased the lung metastasis number significantly lower than the control. Nearly 50% growth inhibition of HT-58 lymphoma was achieved by daily treatment with 1 mg kg(−1) TT-232. 5 mg kg(−1) etoposide, administered daily, resulted in a similar effect. The combination of 1 mg kg(−1) TT-232 and 5 mg kg(−1) etoposide was significantly more effective than TT-232 or etoposide as a single treatment. The very strong tumour growth inhibitory effect of 10 mg kg(−1) etoposide could even be increased by combination with TT-232. These experimental data suggest that TT-232 may be an effective new tool in the combination chemotherapy of malignant tumours like melanoma and lymphoma.