OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of endostar in controlling ascites tumor formation in mice.

METHODSMouse models bearing ascites tumors were established via intraperitoneal injection of H22 and S180 cell lines. Eighty-eight ICR mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups, namely the control group (0.9% normal saline) and 3 endostar groups with 8 mg/kg endostar administration daily, every other day or every two days. The peritoneal membrane permeability of the mice was assessed using Evan blue staining. The body weight curve of mice was drawn, and the cumulative ascites volume and number of red cells and tumor cells in the malignant ascites were determined. The survival of the mice was evaluated to assess the therapeutic effect of endostar.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the mice receiving daily endostar injection showed obviously lower ascites accumulation and peritoneal capillary permeability (P<0.05) with reduced count of ascites tumor cells and red cells and tumor burden of the abdominal cavity. The mice with daily endostar injection also showed longer survival than the control group.

CONCLUSIONSContinuous intraperitoneal injection can be the optimal means for endostar administration for treatment of malignant ascites.