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Enhancement ofin vitro chemotherapeutic activity by dimethylsulfoxide

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Abstract

The effects of the differentiation-inducing polar solvent dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on thein vitro response of murine hepatocarcinoma cells tocis-platinum, BCNU, and melphalan were investigated using the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and cell survival assays. Growth of cells in medium containing 2 per cent DMSO enhanced drug-induced SCEs and cell kill. In order for the enhancement to occur, cells had to be exposed to DMSO for at least 48 h prior to drug treatment. The presence of DMSO during drug treatment did not affect cell response to the three chemotherapeutic agents. The enhancenent of chemosensitivity was eliminated within 24 h of DMSO removal. These data suggest that the differentiation-inducing polar solvents may provide antineoplastic benefits when administered in combination with standard chemotherapeutic agents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Radiotherapy, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute at Houston, 77030, Houston, TX, USA

    Philip J. Tofilon, Charlotte M. Vines & Luka Milas

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  1. Philip J. Tofilon
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  2. Charlotte M. Vines
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  3. Luka Milas
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Tofilon, P.J., Vines, C.M. & Milas, L. Enhancement ofin vitro chemotherapeutic activity by dimethylsulfoxide. Clin Exp Metast 3, 141–150 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01758962

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01758962

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