Chemotherapy against human melanoma in the hamster cheek pouch

Human malignant melanoma was transplanted to the cheek pouch of immunosuppressed (corticosteroid-treated) hamsters. Significant differences were observed in tumor growth constants for animals treated with methotrexate, DTIC, BCNU, and vincristine (P < 0.05) compared to controls. However, no appreciable effect was demonstrated for Adriamycin, 5-FU, and cytoxan. In addition, single doses as high as 400 mg/kg body weight of methotrexate were no more effective than other agents now used against this neoplasm.