The oncostatic effect of methyl-CCNU on various experimental lymphoreticular neoplasms

Studies on the chemotherapeutic potential of methyl-CCNU on experimental leukemias were undertaken. A number of murine transplantable in vivo lines (chemical carcinogen-induced T and B leukemias; radiation- and viral-induced T leukemias of C57BL/6, C3H/eb and SJL/J origin; radiation-induced myeloid leukemias and spontaneous reticulum cell neoplasms of SJL/J mine) were used in these studies. The optimal dose of methyl-CCNU and optimal timing of administration were extensively investigated on two sample lines of T cell leukemias of C57BL/6 mice. Leukemic cell eradication could be achieved in almost all of the different leukemias treated, irrespective of whether induction was brought about by chemical or physical means or due to a viral leukemogenic agent. Studies undertaken to elucidate the effect of methyl-CCNU on the establishment of preleukemic cells following induction of leukemia by the radiation leukemia virus (RadLV) or by total body irradiation, indicated the oncostatic effect of methyl-CCNU on early preleukemic cells.