Antisense Oligonucleotide against hTERT (Cantide) Inhibits Tumor Growth in an Orthotopic Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Mouse Model

BACKGROUND: Human xenograft models, resulting from orthotopic transplantation (implantation into the anatomically correct site) of histologically intact tissue into animals, are important for investigating local tumor growth, vascular and lymphatic invasion at the primary tumor site and metastasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used surgical orthotopic transplantation to establish a nude mouse model of primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL), HLBL-0102. We performed orthotopic transfer of the HLBL-0102 tumor for 42 generations and characterized the tumor cells. The maintenance of PHL characteristics were supported by immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analysis. We also report the antitumor effect of Cantide, an antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide against hTERT, on the growth of HLBL-0102 tumors. We showed a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of tumor weight and serum LDH activity in the orthotopically transplanted animals by Cantide. Importantly, survival was prolonged in Cantide-treated HLBL-0102 tumor-bearing mice when compared to mock-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study provided the basis for the development of a clinical trial protocol to treat PHL.