Mechanisms of SU5416, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, as a radiosensitizer for colon cancer cells.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Previous studies suggest that chemoradiotherapy is more effective for the treatment of colorectal cancer than is radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone. To enhance the radiosensitivity of tumor cells, several investigators have used targeted therapeutic agents that act as radiosensitizers. In the present study, we provide a scientific rationale for the clinical application of SU5416, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, as a radiosensitizer for colorectal cancer. Two human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines, HCT116 and HT-29, were treated with SU5416 and radiation alone or radiation followed by SU5416. In vitro tests were performed using colony forming assays, flow cytometric analysis, immunohistochemistry, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, tumor cell motility and invasion assays. The combination of radiation and SU5416 synergistically inhibited cell survival and induced apoptosis through reactive oxygen species, enhanced IR-induced premature senescence, and inhibited DNA repair activity, cell migration and invasion. Collectively, our results favor the use of SU5416 and radiotherapy as a combination therapy for the treatment of colon cancer and it can be combined successfully with a radiation regimen to potentiate its antitumor and antimetastatic activities for future clinical trials.