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5-Azacytidine carcinogenesis in BALB/c mice
A Cavaliere1, A Bufalari, R Vitali
1Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology, Division of Cancer Research, Perugia, Italy.
Cancer Letters
|October 1, 1987
Summary
5-Azacytidine, a leukemia and thalassemia drug, was tested for carcinogenicity in mice. Long-term administration significantly increased lung tumors, lymphomas, and skin tumors in both sexes, indicating carcinogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- 5-Azacytidine is a critical therapeutic agent for acute leukaemias and beta-thalassemia.
- Understanding the long-term safety profile of 5-azacytidine is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the carcinogenic potential of 5-azacytidine in a preclinical mouse model.
- To assess the incidence of tumor formation following chronic exposure to 5-azacytidine.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were administered 5-azacytidine intraperitoneally at 2.0 mg/kg body weight weekly for 50 weeks.
- Tumor incidence, including lung tumors, lymphomas, skin tumors, and mammary carcinomas, was statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in lung tumors was observed in male (P < 0.001) and female (P < 0.05) mice.
- Lymphomas (males P < 0.01, females P < 0.01) and skin tumors (males P < 0.05, females P < 0.01) showed significant increases in both sexes.
- Female mice also developed a higher incidence of mammary carcinomas (P < 0.01) and other tumors.
Conclusions:
- The chronic administration of 5-azacytidine resulted in a significant increase in various tumor types in mice.
- These findings suggest that 5-azacytidine possesses carcinogenic properties.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the risks associated with 5-azacytidine therapy.