Inhibitory effect of the peptide epitalon on the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu transgenic mice
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Provinciali M, et al. (2002). International Journal of Cancer.
Summary
Female mice genetically engineered to develop mammary tumours were given epitalon, a comparison peptide (vilon) or saline in monthly courses from two months of age. Epitalon-treated mice developed fewer tumours overall and smaller ones, with smaller lung metastases, and HER-2/neu gene expression in their tumours was several times lower than in controls. The comparison peptide had the opposite effect, increasing tumour incidence and shortening the time to tumour appearance. An animal study in a strain bred to develop cancer; the contrast between two similar short peptides is the striking part.