Cell killing of melanoma B16 in vivo by hyperthermia and cytotoxins.

The aim of this study was to investigate antitumour activity of cisplatin, dacarbasine, cyclophosphamide and a new compound from the nitrosourea group--acetamido-CNU ((2-chloroethyl)-1-nitroso-3-(methylenecarboxamido)-urea)--applied with or without local hyperthermia (43.5 degrees C/60 min). The tumour model for the investigation of antitumour activity was a mouse melanoma B16 transplanted into the footpad. Dacarbasine, cyclophosphamide and acetamido-CNU applied as a single treatment had statistically significant antitumour activity, while cisplatin applied as a single agent had no effect. Local hyperthermia alone had statistically significant antitumour activity. The best therapeutic effect (synergistic) was obtained when combined treatment (cytotoxins plus local hyperthermia) was used. Synergistic therapeutic results were achieved even when cisplatin and hyperthermia were combined, although cisplatin was ineffective when given as a single agent. Therapeutic results achieved with acetamido-CNU (newly synthesized compound) applied alone were similar to the therapeutic results achieved with dacarbasine or cyclophosphamide. In combined therapy (acetamido-CNU + HT), achieved therapeutic results were significantly better (p < 0.05) than results achieved by combining cisplatin and hyperthermia or dacarbasine and hyperthermia.