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An in Vivo Evaluation of the Chemotherapeutic Potency of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase¹

Division of Biochemistry, Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from yeast was evaluated for its chemotherapeutic effectiveness against the murine L5178Y lymphoblastic leukemia maintained in C57BL/6 x DBA/2 F₁ (BD2F₁) mice. This enzyme, administered at concentrations of 300 units/kg, rapidly lowered plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, inhibited tumor growth, and produced cures in 40% of the mice. Partially purified preparations of this enzyme, coupled with diets containing low levels of phenylalanine, significantly increased the average life-span of the mice and also produced cures. These results suggest that phenylalanine ammonia-lyase may be a valuable new chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of some neoplasms.

¹ This study was supported in part by USPHS Research Grant CA-11732 from the National Cancer Institute.

² On sabbatical leave from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73190.

Received 7/ 2/73. Accepted 8/ 7/73.