Effects of Cu(II)(3,5-DIPS)₂ on Solid Ehrlich Cell Tumor in Mice: A Pathological Study

Abstract

The first evidence indicating that Cu (II) (3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)₂ (CuDIPS) possessed antitumor activity was published in 1981 by Leuthauser et al.¹. This group of investigators showed that when Ehrlich ascites cells were injected into thigh muscle of adult mice, solid tumors developed. Subsequent administration of CuDIPS directly into the tumor site yielded both retardation and reduction of tumor growth with an increased survival rate when compared to the saline treated controls. Using light microscopy, these investigators found that the metastatic activity of the tumor cells was also reduced and delayed in CuDIPS treated mice. Small nodules of metastatic tumor cells were found in the lungs of the saline controls as early as 10 days after implantation whereas, metastasis was not observed until day 45 in CuDIPS treated mice.