Objective      To investigate the inhibitory effect of recombinant human endostatin combined with FOLFIRI (irinotecan

calcium folinate and 5-FU) on the growth and liver metastasis of colon cancer in mice.       Methods      A total of 40 BALB/c mice were induced to colon cancer model with liver metastasis by injecting colorectal cancer cells (1×10

6

) into the subcapsule of spleen. They were divided randomly into 4 groups (

n

=10)

model group (normal saline

for 21 d)

endostatin treatment group (2 mg/kg

once per day for 14 d)

FOLFIRI treatment group (irinotecan 40 mg/kg

once per day; calcium folinate 50 mg/kg

once per day or 2 days; 5-FU 300 mg/kg

once per day or 2 days)

and combination treatment group (with endostatin combined with FOLFIRI). The corresponding agents or normal saline were injected intra-peritoneally to the mice of above groups since the day after model establishment. After 21 days’ treatment

the volume of tumor masses

apoptotic index (AI) and microvessel density (MVD) were observed with TUNEL and immunohistochemical assay. The serum level of VEGF was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The liver metastasis was also observed.       Results      Compared with model group

the size of spleen implanted tumor

MVD

serum level of VEGF and number of liver metastasis were all reduced obviously in the endostatin

FOLFIRI and combination treatment groups (

P

<

0.05)

and AI was significantly increased (

P

<

0.05). The combination treatment group had significantly smaller tumor size

lower MVD and serum level of VEGF

reduced number of liver metastasis

and higher AI when compared with the single treatment groups (

P

<

0.05).       Conclusion       Recombinant human endostatin combined with FOLFIRI can inhibit the growth and liver metastasis in colon cancer.