Abstract 2338: Aflibercept (VEGF Trap) impairs tumor growth and perfusion, and restrains metastasis invasion in orthotopic models
Authors: Carrez Chantal , Jouannot Erwan , Guerif Stéphane , Lengauer Christoph , Bergstrom Donald , Chiron Marielle 
Published: August 2012

Aflibercept (VEGF Trap), a potent angiogenesis inhibitor that binds to all isoforms of circulating VEGF as well as to placental growth factor, is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in combination with chemotherapy for several cancer indications. The VELOUR Phase 3 trial in oxaliplatin pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer showed that aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI significantly improved overall survival, progression-free survival and response rate (in comparison with FOLFIRI plus placebo), with some increases in adverse events. The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of aflibercept on tumor vessel function and determine the impact of a prolonged treatment regimen on the development of metastases in orthotopic preclinical models. For the functional evaluation of tumor perfusion by contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging (CE-US), SCID mice underwent renal subcapsular implantation of the human renal SK-NEP-1 Ewing sarcoma. The pattern of vascularization in these rapidly growing tumors was found to be heterogeneous: tumor areas in the proximal kidney remained highly perfused, while avascular areas appeared in the distal kidney region which is likely a consequence of spontaneous necrosis in large tumors. Aflibercept administered bi-weekly at 40mg/kg for two weeks showed a statistically significant effect on tumor growth (5% T/C). Aflibercept efficiently down-regulated tumor perfusion inducing a reduction of tumor blood volume immediately after the first injection, followed by subsequent stabilization and rebound two weeks after the end of treatment. The MDA-MB-231-D3H2LN-luc breast tumor model spontaneously induces lymph node metastasis when orthotopically implanted into the inguinal mammary fat pads of SCID mice. Aflibercept (at 25 mg/kg) or vehicle were administered bi-weekly for five weeks in mice pair-matched by bioluminescent photon emission rates into aflibercept treatment and control groups. This continuous aflibercept treatment induced antitumor activity on the primary tumors with 19% T/C based on bioluminescent signal at the end of treatment. Aflibercept also controlled metastatic dissemination to the axillary regions with a median 21-day delay for lymph node invasion in treated mice. Conclusion: In an orthotopic Ewing sarcoma model in mice, repeated administrations of aflibercept reduced tumor perfusion and stabilized tumor growth. In an orthotopic mammary carcinoma model, prolonged treatment with aflibercept inhibited tumor growth and delayed spontaneous lymph node metastasis. These outcomes are consistent with the mechanism of action postulated for aflibercept which, upon prolonged treatment is expected to reduce the density of tumor vasculature and the leakiness of tumor vessels, thereby controlling tumor growth and metastatic dissemination.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2338. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2338