Differential Perfusion Hypothermia: It's Use in Selective Bone Marrow Protection During the Administration of Nitrogen Mustard

THE LIMITING FACTOR in the treatment of malignant tumors with high doses of chemotherapeutic agents has proved to be depression of the hematopoietic system. It has been shown, however, that hypothermia protects the bone marrow from these depressive effects of the alkylating agents. This experimental study was designed to determine the feasibility of selective protection of the bone marrow in the lower half of the body by differential pelvic perfusion hypothermia. The basic idea of this technique is to permit systemic administration of relatively high doses of cancerocidal agents, thereby subjecting a tumor-bearing area in tbe upper half of the body to high drug levels at a normal temperature, while protecting the hematopoietic system in the lower body by hypothermia. Methods Differential pelvic perfusion hypothermia was accomplished as follows: Dogs weighing 10 to 18 kg. (22 to 40 lb.) were anesthetized with pentobarbital (Nembutal), intubated, and artificially respirated. After giving