Inhibition of bladder tumor growth by the green tea derivative EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate)

Purpose. The study of epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a green tea derivative, as an intravesical agent for the prevention of transitional cell tumor implantation.; Materials and methods. In vitro studies were performed on cells treated with EGCG (25–100uM).; In vivo studies involved catheterizing Fisher 344 rats allowing for bladder injury with electrocautery. Group 1 (n = 12) served as a control and AY27 transitional cancer were allowed to attach. Group 2 rats (n = 28) were treated with 200 M EGCG in media for 2 hour instillations. The rats were euthanized in 3 weeks after treatment.; Results. In vitro studies showed that EGCG was lethal at all concentrations when applied for over 2 hours. All controls showed tumor. 64% of treated bladders were tumor free.; Conclusions. Intravesical instillation of EGCG inhibits and prevents implantation of AY27 rat transitional cells in a rat model. This is the first use of EGCG as an intravesical agent.