Adriamycin and hydroxyurea as radiopotentiators in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix implanted in nude mice: A preliminary report

A tumor model using human squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix implanted in nude mice was developed. Hydroxyurea and Adriamycin were used as radiopotentiators. A regression delay was observed in tumors treated with radiation therapy alone and radiation therapy and Hydroxyurea. No regression delay was observed when the tumors were treated with radiation therapy and Adriamycin. Six weeks after treatment, 75% of the tumors treated with radiation therapy and Adriamycin were not palpable, while all the tumors were present in the group treated with radiation therapy alone and radiation therapy and Hydroxyurea. No difference in tumor response was noted between the group receiving radiation therapy alone and radiation therapy and Hydroxyurea. This preliminary observation shows obvious interaction between Adriamycin and radiation therapy, suggesting radiopotentiating activity. The tumor model was found useful and practical.