Thermochemotherapy for malignant melanoma: combination therapy of ACNU and hyperthermia in mice

B16 melanoma (mouse melanoma) and C24 melanoma (human malignant melanoma) transplanted in mice were treated by a combined therapy of ACNU [1-(4-amino-2-methyl - 5 - pyrimidinyl) - methyl - 3 - (2 - chlorethyl) - 3 - nitrosourea hydrochloride] (10 mg/kg) and hyperthermia (43 degrees C, 30 min). In both types of melanoma, a marked synergistic effect of the combined therapy was noted. Particularly in C24 melanoma a reduction in the size of tumor was observed. Histopathologic findings revealed a strong degeneration such as destruction of the tumor structure and vacuolization of nuclei.