Pre-clinical study of BK-UM, a novel inhibitor of HB-EGF, for ovarian cancer therapy

Background/Aim: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, is a target for ovarian cancer therapy. The present study investigated the administration schedule of BK-UM, an anticancer agent targeting HB-EGF. Materials and Methods: The ovarian cancer cell line, RMG-I, was injected subcutaneously into five-week-old female nude mice. The BK-UM was administered intraperitoneally, using three administration schedules with different doses. The tumor volume was calculated every week. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: At doses >0.1 mg/kg, BK-UM displayed significant antitumor effects, although the antitumor effects and body weights of mice did not significantly differ by dose or by three different administration schedules. At a dose <0.1 mg/kg, however, BK-UM had little inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Conclusion: Daily administration of BK-UM, which has a potentially dose-dependent antitumor effect, may be the optimal schedule for clinical application.