HT-29 xenografts

These studies were performed under the Guidelines for the Care and Use of Research Animals, Vanderbilt University Animal Studies Committee. Hind limbs of homozygous nu/nu athymic nude mice, approximately 6-8 weeks of age, were subcutaneously implanted with 2 × 10⁶ HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. HT-29 tumors were allowed to reach a volume of approximately 150 mm³. For HT-29 tumors, 5 animals per group were used. Mice received daily i.p. injections of DMSO (25 μl) or 40 mg/kg of VJ115 in DMSO (25 μl) for 4 consecutive days, followed 30 min later by 0 or 2 Gy of x-rays (300 kVp/10 mA). During irradiation, mice were shielded such that only the tumors were irradiated. Tumors in the survival experiment were measured prior to initiation of treatment using digital calipers to ensure that there were comparable sizes between groups at the start. Tumors were deemed not cured if they exhibited any gross growth after 1 week following the top-up dose.