Anti‐cachectic Effect of FK317, a Novel Anti‐cancer Agent, in Colon26 and LX‐1 Models in Mice

The effects of FK317 (11‐acetyl‐8‐carbamoyloxymethyl‐4‐formyl‐6‐methoxy‐14‐oxa‐1,11‐diazatetra‐cyclo[7.4.1.0(2,7).0(10,2)]tetradeca‐2,4,6‐trien‐9‐yl acetate), a novel anti‐cancer agent, on murine adenocarcinoma colon26‐ and human lung carcinoma LX‐1‐induced cachexia were investigated in mice. Mice bearing colon26 or LX‐1 s.c. lost weight and became cachectic, associated with tumor growth. FK317 and mitomycin C (MMC) inhibited the growth of both tumors. FK317 ameliorated the weight loss induced by the presence of colon26 or LX‐1, while MMC enhanced it. An attenuation of the reduction in the weights of epididymal fat, gastrocnemius muscle and carcass was observed in FK317‐treated tumor‐bearing mice in both cachexia models, but not in MMC‐treated mice. The decreases in the circulating levels of triglyceride, glucose and non‐esterified fatty acid, which were induced by the presence of colon26, was partially inhibited by treatment with FK317. Overall, this study revealed that FK317 is a potent anti‐cancer drug with anti‐cachectic activity, suggesting that FK317 has potential utility for the treatment of cancer.