ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effectiveness of (131)I-epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation of a heterologous graft in nude mice bearing human breast infiltrating duct carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>EGF/HAS was labeled with (131)I by chloramines-T method. Human breast cancer xenografts with positive EGFR expression were established in nude mice. The nude mice were injected with normal saline, Epirubicin Hydrochloride, (131)I-EGF, (131)I-HAS, (131)I intravenously and (131)I-EGF intratumoral administration respectively. The tumor growth inhibition rate was determined by measurement of tumor volume. Different examinations were carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was remarkable significant difference of tumor volumes at 26th day among (131)I-EGF trial groups, (131)I, (131)I-HAS, and the negative control group. The tumor growth inhibition rate of (131)I-EGF trial groups was 82.0%, 80.7% respectively. Compared with the negative control group, the (131)I-EGF trial groups remarkably suppressed the growth of tumor (P < 0.05). Irreversible destruction of tissues in (131)I-EGF groups was observed under light and electron microscope. There was no evidence of hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity and myelotoxicity in nude mice bearing human breast cancer given (131)I-EGF over a 4-wk observation period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>(131)I-EGF has obvious antitumor effects on a heterologous graft in nude mice bearing human breast infiltrating duct carcinoma, with little obvious side effects.</p>