INFLUENZE DELLE VIE DI SOMMINISTRAZIONE SULLA EFFICACIA CHEMIOTERAPICA DELL'ARA-C NEL SARCOMA 180

The comparative chemotherapeutic and biochemical activity of orally and intraperitoneally administered cytarabine (Ara C) was examined in mice bearing subcutaneously implanted Sarcoma 180 cells and in non tumor bearing mice. The oral administration of Ara C at 50 mg/kg was as effective as a 10 mg/kg i.p. administered dose in prolonging the survival time of the tumor bearing mice and was more active than the i.p. dose in reducing the DNA level and protein/DNA ratio in the tumor. Hematological abnormalities, red cells excepted, were not seen in the Sarcoma 180 tumor bearing mice treated with Ara C regardless of the route of administration although the oral dose of 50 mg/kg exerted its greatest effect on blood forming organs of non tumor bearing mice. Experiments showed that liver or intestinal metabolism is not a contraindication to oral chemotherapy with Ara C provided adequate doses are chosen. (17 references).