Effects of DN-9693, a new metastasis inhibitor, on murine hematogenous metastasis.

1,5-Dihydro-7-(1-piperidinyl)-imidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-2(3H)-one dihydrochloride hydrate (DN-9693), a new c-AMP: phosphodiesterase inhibitor was examined for its inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation induced by metastasizing tumor cells and on blood-borne metastases of these tumors. 1-3 microM of DN-9693 completely inhibited platelet aggregation induced by B16 melanoma subline BL6 and Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) cells. Platelets prepared from mice intravenously or orally administered with DN-9693 failed to aggregate after the addition of BL6 cells. Intravenous injection of DN-9693 was effective in protecting the mice inoculated with 1 X 10(6) BL6 cells against acute pulmonary embolic death. Either intravenous or oral administration of DN-9693 (1-10 mg/kg) sufficiently suppressed thrombus formation and subsequent pulmonary metastasis caused by intravenously inoculated BL6 or 3LL cells. Spontaneous pulmonary metastasis of 3LL was also inhibited by DN-9693. Continuous administration of DN-9693 during and after surgical excision of the primary tumors was the most effective treatment against the development of pulmonary metastases of 3LL.