PMID-16688716 – PNC-28 Blocks Pancreatic Cancer Growth In Vivo
Bowne WB, Sookraj KA, Adler V, et al. PNC-28, a p53-derived peptide that is cytotoxic to cancer cells, blocks pancreatic cancer cell growth in vivo. J Surg Res. 2007;135(1):106-112.
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 16688716 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jss.2006.02.047 |
| Year | 2007 |
| Journal | Journal of Surgical Research |
| Study Type | Animal in vivo |
| Evidence Level | V |
| Sample | Athymic nude mice with PANC-1 pancreatic cancer xenografts |
| Peptide(s) Studied | PNC-28 |
Key Findings
- PNC-28 significantly inhibited pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) tumor growth in nude mice xenograft model
- Intratumoral injection of PNC-28 caused tumor regression compared to controls
- PNC-28 was selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells in vivo, consistent with in vitro findings
- No observable toxicity to normal tissues at therapeutic doses
- The peptide contains p53 residues 17-26 fused to a penetratin leader sequence
Study Design
In vivo xenograft study using athymic nude mice bearing PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer subcutaneous tumors. Mice received intratumoral injections of PNC-28 or control peptide. Tumor volume measured over time. Histological examination performed on tumors and normal tissues. Complementary in vitro cytotoxicity assays performed on PANC-1 cells and normal fibroblasts.
Limitations
- Intratumoral injection route — not representative of systemic therapy
- Xenograft model in immunocompromised mice — does not recapitulate immune context
- Small animal study numbers
- Single tumor type tested in vivo (pancreatic only)
- Pharmacokinetics and systemic biodistribution not characterized
Clinical Relevance
This is the first in vivo demonstration that a p53-derived anticancer peptide (PNC-28) can inhibit tumor growth. The absence of toxicity to normal tissues is encouraging. However, the intratumoral delivery route limits translational applicability — systemic delivery would require significant formulation development. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously treatment-resistant, making this a high-value target.
Related
#research #animal-in-vivo #PNC-28 #evidence-level-V #cancer-therapeutic