Inhibitory Effect of Clopidogrel, a P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist, on Hematogenic Metastasis in B16-BL6 Mouse Melanoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The complex interactions between circulating platelets and tumor cells play important roles in tumor metastasis. Tumor cells can activate platelets by releasing mediators such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Treatments with anticoagulants have been shown to attenuate tumor metastasis. However, the role of ADP receptor P2Y12 in tumor cell metastasis has not been fully clarified.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this study, highly metastatic B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells were injected into the tail vein of mice as a model of hematogenic tumor metastasis to investigate the effects of P2Y12 antagonist clopidogrel on tumor metastasis.

RESULTS

A high dose (25 mg/kg) of clopidogrel weakly but significantly inhibited lung metastasis and increased both the time to hemostasis and blood loss in the tail tip-excision mouse model.

CONCLUSION

Although it is necessary to consider increased bleeding as a side-effect, clopidogrel may be an effective antimetastatic drug.