Effect of heat combined with polyamines on tumor growth in mice

The combined effect of heat and polyamines on transplanted B16 melanomas was studied in mice. A synergistic interaction between heat and the polyamines spermine and cadaverine was demonstrated, confirming previous observations with cultured Chinese hamster cells. The effect, however, was weak, resulting in no more than a 20% increase in the mean survival time. This was due to toxicity limitations on the doses of polyamines delivered to the animals. Thus, at least in this system, the combined treatment does not appear promising for tumor control. An improvement of therapeutic efficiency by a modification of the delivery method of the drugs is discussed.