Abstract
Extravasation of Adriamycin during i.v. infusion can cause serious local complications. We have used a rat skin model to study the protection afforded by dimethyl sulfoxide and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) against Adriamycin-induced skin necrosis. Topical daily application of 1 ml dimethyl sulfoxide for 2 days produced a small decrease in ulcer diameter of up to 11% at 2 weeks. Topical daily applications of 1 ml 10% α-tocopherol succinate in dimethyl sulfoxide for 2 days produced a marked decrease in ulcer diameter at 2 weeks of up to 68%. Daily topical application of 1 ml 10% α-tocopherol succinate in dimethyl sulfoxide for 7 days offered no greater protection than 2-day application. α-Tocopherol acetate appeared to have activity slightly less than that of α-tocopherol succinate in reducing ulcer size, and both compounds were considerably more active than was α-tocopherol alcohol. Administration of α-tocopherol succinate or α-tocopherol acetate i.p. had no significant effect upon ulcer diameter. Topically applied dimethyl sulfoxide and α-tocopherol may provide an effective way of treating accidentally extravasated Adriamycin in cancer patients.
This work was supported by Grant CA 25337, awarded by NIH, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and American Cancer Society Grant CH 143.
