Evaluation of nonhormonal cytotoxic chemotherapy in the Nb rat (Pr-90) prostatic carcinoma.

The Nb rat prostate adenocarcinoma occurs spontaneously. The frequency of occurrence is increased by hormone induction. Tumors are classified as autonomous or estrogen or androgen dependent, based on their response to hormone manipulation. These rats provide a unique animal model for the evaluation of biological activity, hormone dependency, and the screening of therapeutic modalities. This report evaluates the use of cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and methotrexate on the autonomous Pr-90 tumor. Methotrexate and Adriamycin were evaluated at two different concentrations, which demonstrated statistically significant results. Cyclophosphamide treatment resulted in complete tumor regression in eight of 12 tumors. Evidence of Adriamycin cardiotoxicity was found at autopsy.