[Effect of beta-carotene on mouse transplantable mammary cancer MA737].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of beta-carotene (BC) on the growth of MA737 in TA II mice.


METHODS
BC (250 mg/kg) dissolved in vegetable oil was given per os by gavage once every other day. Mice were treated with BC alone or in combination with chemotherapy (CMF protocol). Control mice were given solvent vehicle. Tumor volume and survival period of the treated and control mice were recorded.


RESULTS
In mice treated with BC alone, the growth of the tumor was retarded, but the tumor inhibitory effect was more marked in mice treated with BC + CMF (growth inhibition rate: 49.1% versus 60.5%). The therapeutic effect of combined use of BC and CMF was only slightly better than that of CMF alone. However, BC helped alleviate toxic side effects of the chemotherapeutic drugs so that the survival period was significantly prolonged in the BC + CMF treated mice. Long term treatment with beta-carotene was without side effect.


CONCLUSIONS
beta-carotene inhibits tumor growth, prolongs survival and alleviates toxic side effects of chemotherapy in a mouse mammary cancer model.
Zhu
Y
Y
Tianjin Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060.
Hao
X
X
Sun
H
H
D000818:Animals; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019207:beta Carotene; D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate