Inhibition of cell growth and tumorigenesis of human glioblastoma cells by a neutralizing antibody against human basic fibroblast growth factor

We report here that a neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibody against basic FGF inhibited both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth of U-87MG and T98G human glioblastoma cells and HeLa cells, all of which express both the basic FGF and the FGF remptor genes. In addition, the subcutaneous administration of this antibody significantly suppressed the tumor development or these tumor cells in nude mice. Therefore, basic FGF plays an important role in neoplastic growth of these cells. The neutralization or basic FGF will be effective in controlling the growth of tumors, such as glioblastoma and other cancer cells which bear basic FGF and FGF receptors.