Lack of effect of the cytokine suppressive agent FR167653 on tumour growth and cachexia in rats bearing the Yoshida AH-130 ascites hepatoma

Daily s.c. administration of 6 mg/kg of FR167653 (an inhibitor of the synthesis of interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor-α) to rats bearing the ascites hepatoma Yoshida AH-130 (a highly cachectic tumour) did not prevent either the anorexia or the massive weight loss – affecting both adipose tissue and skeletal muscle – present in the cachectic animals. The compound did not affect the circulating levels of triacylglycerols or other metabolites such as glucose or lactate. Nor did the administration of FR167653 influence tumour growth. It is concluded that the drug is unable to reverse the cachectic state in this particular experimental tumour model.