Positive Health Online

Abstract

ROOMI and others, Matthias Rath Research Institute, Cancer Division, 1260 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA, have created a new formulation to inhibit the growth and invasiveness of some cancer cells.

Background

Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of tumour invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. A novel formulation of lysine, proline (two amino acids), ascorbic acid and green tea extract has shown significant anti-cancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to determine whether this formulation, called NM, exhibits anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects.

Methodology

Using in vitro and in vivo experimental models, angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels to supply a growing tumour) was measured in chick embryos and in mice. In vitro studies on cell proliferation and ECM invasion were conducted on human bone cancer cell lines.

Results

NM at 250 microg/ml caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in angiogenesis. It inhibited tumour growth in mice by 53%; furthermore, tumours in NM-treated mice were less vascular. In addition, NM exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of bone cancer cell proliferation (up to 60% at 1000 microg/ml) and invasion into ECM (with total inhibition at 100 microg/ml).

Conclusion

These results suggest that NM is a relatively non-toxic formulation, which inhibits growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of tumour cells.

References

Roomi MW, Roomi N, Ivanov V, Kalinovsky T, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M. Inhibitory effect of a mixture containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract on critical parameters in angiogenesis Oncology Reports 14 (4): 807-815, Oct 2005.