Flavone acetic acid increases the antitumor effect of hyperthermia in mice

The combined effects of flavone acetic acid (FAA), a synthetic flavonoid, and hyperthermia on B16 melanoma cells were investigated. In vitro, FAA alone at concentrations below 100 micrograms/ml was not cytotoxic with a 60-min exposure at 37 degrees C. Hyperthermia at 43 degrees C for 60 min enhanced the cytotoxicity of FAA only at concentrations over 100 micrograms/ml. Inhibition of the growth of B16 melanoma solid tumor by FAA and/or hyperthermia was examined in vivo. FAA (100-200 mg/kg) inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. The combined treatment of FAA (200 mg/kg) and hyperthermia (43 degrees C, 15 min) significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to a treatment of FAA or hyperthermia alone. The maximum antitumor effect of FAA combined with hperthermia was obtained when FAA was administered 2 or 4 h before heat. The significantly increased cytotoxicity of FAA combined with hyperthermia seems to relate to specific decreases in tumor blood flow, a reduction in tumor pH, and an increased tumor temperature, without altering pH in the normal tissues. This combined treatment of FAA and hyperthermia warrants further study for treating subjects with solid tumors.