Abstract
Background
This study used an ascitic fluid tumor model to assess antitumor effects of indomethacin (INN) and its enhancing effect on the antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil (5FU).
Methods
Each (monotherapy) or both agents (combined therapy) were administered IP to BALB-c mice on alternate days. Antitumor activity was determined by survival of the experimental animals.
Results
INN (25 (μg/kg IP) improved the survival of the experimental animals significantly (P<0.005) when compared to the nonmedicated controls. The INN was shown to augment the antitumor activity of 5FU significantly at doses of 2.5 (P<0.005) and 10 (P<0.005) mg/kg IP, compared to 5FU monotherapy at each dose. Carcass weight was significantly higher (P<0.01–0.05) in the combination therapy groups than in the controls. This effect was the result of a less marked decrease in food intake, although there was no significant difference in carcass weight between single and combined therapies.
Conclusion
INN was shown to exert its antitumor effect and to augment the antitumor activity of 5FU which led to the improved survival of mice bearing ascitic tumors. This evidence suggests a potential role for INN as an adjunct to standard chemotherapy.
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Ogino, M. Indomethacin augmented antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil in meth-a induced mice. Int J Clin Oncol 1, 75–79 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02348271
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02348271