Lenvatinib Induces AKT/NF-κB Inactivation, Apoptosis Signal Transduction and Growth Inhibition of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer In Vivo.

Background/aim Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with poor prognosis. Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that has the potential to suppress tumor progression. Our previous study suggested that lenvatinib induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in CL-1-5-F4 cells in vitro. However, whether lenvatinib suppresses NSCLC progression in vivo remains unclear. Materials and methods Tumor growth inhibition and normal tissue toxicity evaluation following lenvatinib treatment were performed on CL-1-5-F4-bearing mice. Results Tumor growth calculated by caliper and living cell intensity decreased by lenvatinib treatment as analysed by bioluminescence imaging. Phosphorylation of AKT, NF-κB, and NF-κB downstream proteins involved in tumor progression were reduced by lenvatinib in the tumor tissue. No pathological changes were found in the liver, kidney, and spleen after lenvatinib treatment. Conclusion Induction of apoptosis and suppression of AKT/NF-κB were associated with lenvatinib-induced inhibition of the progression of NSCLC in vivo.