METHODS AND PRODUCTS FOR INDUCING APOPTOSIS IN NEUROENDOCRINE CELLS WITH MACROPHAGE STIMULATING PROTEIN

摘要

Methods and products for treating neuroendocrine tumors are provided. The method for treating the neuroendocrine tumor includes the step of administering a macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) molecule to a subject at risk of developing a neuroendocrine cell-derived tumor or to a subject having a neuroendocrine tumor in an amount effective to induce apoptosis in a neuroendocrine cell expressing the receptor for MSP (RON receptor). The MSP molecule may be an MSP nucleic acid or an MSP polypeptide. The product is a pharmaceutical composition including an MSP molecule and a pharmaceutical preparation formulated as an aerosol.