5-Fluorouracil's cytotoxicity is enhanced both in vitro and in vivo by concomitant treatment with hyperthermia and dipyridamole

We obtained evidence that the cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is augmented when the drug is given in combination with hyperthermia (HYP) and dipyridamole (DP). Nontoxic levels of DP enhanced the combined cytotoxicity of 5-FU and HYP against B16 melanoma and human tumor cells in vitro as measured by the succinate dehydrogenase inhibition (SDI) test. Growth of B16 melanoma that had been subcutaneously implanted into the feet of C57 BL mice was inhibited by treatment with the combinations of 5-FU and HYP, of 5-FU and DP, and of 5-FU, HYP and DP as compared with the administration of 5-FU alone. Treatment with HYP plus DP did not alter the body weight of mice that received 5-FU. The administration of DP plus HYP seemed to render the tumor cells more sensitive to 5-FU. The combination of 5-FU, HYP and DP shows promise for the treatment of patients suffering from malignant disease.