Adjuvant immunotherapy of N-[4(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]-formamide-induced bladder tumors.

The prophylactic effect of maltose tetrapalmitate (MTP), a newly developed non specific immunoadjuvant in preventing or delaying bladder cancer induction by N-[4(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl] formamide (FANFT) or in reducing the growth rate of the induced tumor was compared to other well-known immunoadjuvants (BCG, C. parvum, levamisole and pyran copolymer). The evaluation of the prophylactic role of immunoadjuvants demonstrated that MTP, levamisole and C. parvum were the most effective in prolonging animal survival. MTP was found superior to either of them in reducing the tumor size. The development of lung metastasis was lower in the group receiving MTP or C. parvum. Next, MTP was studied for its therapeutic effect against primary FANFT induced tumor. The subcutaneous (s.c.) and oral routes of MTP administration and their combination with intravesical route were tried. Combinations of intravesical with s.c. or oral MTP were most effective in reducing tumor size, obtaining lower metastases along with greater mononuclear lymphocyte infiltration in the primary tumor.