Bendamustine - A New Approach to the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

Abstract

Therapeutic options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. Bendamustine, a bifunctional cytostatic agent with mainly alkylating effect may be an alternative. Methods: Five HCC cell lines were incubated in vitro with five different concentrations of bendamustine. In addition, cell lines Huh-7 and HepG2 were tested in a chimeric mouse model. Results: In vitro treatment with bendamustine resulted in an IC₅₀ <6 μg/mL in two, <12 μg/mL in one, and 12-23 μg/mL in two cell lines. In vivo, bendamustine reduced significantly tumor volume in chimeric mice. Conclusion: Bendamustine demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition both in vitro and In vivo at concentrations that can be reached in the plasma. The potential role of bendamustine therapy for HCC and its tolerability in impaired liver function is currently subject of a phase II study.

Keywords:

• bendamustine
• hepatocellular carcinoma
• chemotherapy