Background
As a novel blocker of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), fruquintinib has been approved for treating colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its dosage and therapeutic efficacy are limited by its widespread adverse reactions. Venetoclax, recognized as the initial inhibitor of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (BCL2), has shown potential in boosting the effectiveness of immunotherapy against CRC. This study investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of fruquintinib combined with venetoclax in treating CRC.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the addition of venetoclax enhances the impact of fruquintinib on vascular normalization and modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. Our study presents the justification for utilizing the fruquintinib and venetoclax combination in treating CRC. Venetoclax holds promise in being assimilated into anticancer medications for CRC.
Results
The strongest inhibition on tumor growth was achieved by the combination of fruquintinib with venetoclax, as opposed to individual drug use. Venetoclax was found to amplify the impact of fruquintinib, leading to decreased cancer cell proliferation, increased cancer cell apoptosis, lowered angiogenesis, better vascular structure normalization, and improved immune cell infiltration.