Experimental chemotherapy of rat leukemia RBA-Le with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum

The antileukemic activity of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (PDD) was studied in rats bearing myelogenous leukemia RBA-Le. Clinical picture, changes in life-span, hematological indices and weight changes were used to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. Maximum effectiveness was noted when PDD was given in combination with Methotrexate (MTX) and Poly I:C, respectively. The mean life-span of the rats treated with PDD and MTX was prolonged to 37 days that is an increase of 147 percent of the control level. Furthermore 20 percent of the treated animals survived symptom-free for more than 60 days. Out of 20 animals receiving PDD in combination with Poly I:C 6 rats survived 60 days symptom-free. In remaining 14 animals who finally died on leukemia an 85 percent increase in life-span was noted. Only slight increase in life-span was recorded in those groups treated with PDD alone and in combination with Cyclophosphamide regardless of dosage schedule. The general toxicity of PDD therapy is discussed.