An anti-cancer derivative of butyric acid (pivalyloxmethyl buterate) and daunorubicin cooperatively prolong survival of mice inoculated with monocytic leukaemia cells.

T Kasukabe, A Rephaeli, Y Honma

Index: Br. J. Cancer 75(6) , 850-4, (1997)

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Abstract

A derivative of butyric acid, pivalyloxymethyl butyrate (AN-9), inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of mouse monocytic leukaemia Mm-A cells, although sodium butyrate, but not AN-9, induced differentiation of the cells. AN-9 and DNA-specific antineoplastic agents synergistically inhibited the growth of Mm-A cells, and the simultaneous treatment was required to evoke the maximum growth-inhibitory effect. On the other hand, there was no synergy between butyrate and the drugs, or AN-9 and anti-metabolic agents in inhibiting the growth of the cells, suggesting that the synergistic effect is specific to AN-9 and DNA-reacting agents. AN-9 as a single agent prolonged the survival of mice inoculated with Mm-A cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, administration of AN-9 plus daunorubicin (DNR) markedly prolonged their survival. These results suggest that combination with AN-9 and DNR entails an obvious therapeutic potential.