Sorbent removal of adriamycin in vitro and in vivo

Adriamycin adsorption to four sorbents, uncoated activated charcoal, acrylic hydrogel-coated activated charcoal, a polystyrene non-ionic resin, and a pyrolized resin, was determined in vitro in aqueous and plasma solutions. Uncoated charcoal and pyrolized resin were most efficient in removing Adriamycin from these solutions. Four hours after an iv bolus of Adriamycin (2.5 mg/kg) to beagle dogs, acrylic hydrogel-coated activated charcoal hemoperfusion was performed. Extraction of Adriamycin averaged 43% throughout the 3-hour hemoperfusion period and resulted in a 20-fold increase in total body elimination of Adriamycin but plasma drug concentrations returned towards control values following hemoperfusion. Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma Adriamycin profiles suggested that reduction of tissue concentrations of Adriamycin could be attained if hemoperfusion periods were extended. It is suggested that hemoperfusion may be useful in reducing blood levels of Adriamycin in patients with hepatic disease or accidental overdosage, but that reduction of tissue levels of Adriamycin would require extended or repeated hemoperfusion treatments.