The dual EGF-/VEGF-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AEE–788 inhibits growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts in mice

Aims: Treatment for advanced stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unsatisfactory. HCC is a highly vascularised tumor and also shows enhanced expression of epidermal growth factor receptors. We therefore investigated the effect of AEE–788, a novel inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF and the VEGF receptor, for HCC treatment in vitro and in a subcutaneous xenograft model in vivo. Methods: The human HCC cell lines HepG2 and Hep1B were cultured under standard conditions and incubated with different concentrations of AEE–788 (0.1 to 100µM) for 24 to 120h. Cell viability was assess…