Enhancement of the antineoplastic effect of anticarcinogens on benzo[a]pyrene-treated Wistar rats, in relation to their number and biological activity

Abstract Naturally occurring anticarcinogens, such as vitamins C and E, and the microelement selenium were found to inhibit the induction of benzo[ a ]pyrene-induced malignant tumors in Wistar rats to various extends. The antineoplastic effect of the tested anticarcinogens is gradually increased according to the number of inhibitors selected. To date the maximum action against malignancy is manifested by use of the above three inhibitors. In the group of rats receiving vitamins C, E and selenium, the prolongation of life induced by adding more than one anticarcinogen to the treatment regime reached, and in some cases surpassed, the normal life expectancy of the rats. It is expected that by adding even more anticarcinogens, the antineoplastic potency (Ap) of the inhibitors will be further improved. These results encouraged us to conduct a clinical trial in terminal human cancer cases, in conjuction with the usual treatments of surgery or chemotherapy and irradiation.