Research: ZHU and colleague

Listed in Issue 75

Abstract

ZHU and colleagues, Tianjin Institute Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China studied the effects of beta-carotene (BC) on the growth of mammary tumour cells (MA737) in mice.

Background

Methodology

TA II mice were fed 250 mg/kg BC (dissolved in vegetable oil) once every 2 days, with or without concomitant chemotherapy (CT) . Control mice were fed the vegetable oil vehicle minus BC.

Results

BC-only treatment retarded tumour growth ; the effect, however, was greater in those mice receiving BC plus CT (growth inhibition rates: 49.1% versus 60.5%). The effect of BC plus CT on tumour growth was only slightly better than that of CT alone . However, BC helped to reduce toxic side effects of CT, resulting in significantly greater survival times in mice receiving BC plus CT. Long-term treatment with BC did not cause any adverse effects.

Conclusion

In this model of mammary cancer, BC inhibited tumour growth, prolonged survival and reduced the toxic side effects of CT.

References

Zhu Y et al. Effect of beta-carotene on mouse transplantable mammary cancer MA737. Chung-Hua chung Liu Tsa Chih (Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi) 21 (4): 262-4. Jul 1999.

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