Experimental chemotherapy of human testicular carcinoma transplanted in nude mice

: The testicular carcinoma serially transplanted in nude mice with BALB/c genetic background was used for experimental chemotherapy. A stable growth and a high production of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were observed in this tumor line. The effect and side effect of Cis-platinum (CDDP) and other anticancer agents on this tumor line in nude mice were studied by the chemotherapy with single administration of CDDP 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg, and the combination chemotherapy with CDDP, Vinblastine (VBL) 0.1 mg/kg, Bleomycin (BLM) 0.5 mg/kg and Cyclophosphamide (CTX) 2 mg/kg. The body weight of the tumor bearing nude mice, the tumor size (length X breadth) and serum AFP level were measured every week up to 10 weeks after inoculation of the tumor mass. Six weeks after administration of these anticancer agents, the tumor mass was removed out and examined histologicaly. The effects of CDDP and other anticancer agents were observed as inhibition of the tumor growth and regression of the tumor mass. In the groups treated by the combination chemotherapy with either CDDP + VBL + BLM or CDDP + VBL + CTX, the most remarkable inhibition and regression were observed. The AFP levels were remarkably decreased in contrast with those of the control group. The changes of serum AFP levels were reflected in the tumor growth. The serum AFP levels fell down to normal level, however, the tumor mass was clearly recognized. The tumor tissue was damaged histologicaly by the single administration of CDDP. The most remarkable change was shown in the group treated by the combination chemotherapy CDDP 4mg/kg + VBL + BLM. The tumor cells were arranged one or two layers like the epithelium. This histological findings suggested that the malignant tumor could be differentiated to benign tumor. The side effect of CDDP and other anticancer agents was observed as a loss of weight. All of mice treated by the single administration at a dose of CDDP 6 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg died of the side effect of CDDP.