Enhancement ofin vitro chemotherapeutic activity by dimethylsulfoxide

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Abstract
The effects of the differentiation-inducing polar solvent dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on thein vitro response of murine hepatocarcinoma cells tocis-platinum, BCNU, and melphalan were investigated using the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and cell survival assays. Growth of cells in medium containing 2 per cent DMSO enhanced drug-induced SCEs and cell kill. In order for the enhancement to occur, cells had to be exposed to DMSO for at least 48 h prior to drug treatment. The presence of DMSO during drug treatment did not affect cell response to the three chemotherapeutic agents. The enhancenent of chemosensitivity was eliminated within 24 h of DMSO removal. These data suggest that the differentiation-inducing polar solvents may provide antineoplastic benefits when administered in combination with standard chemotherapeutic agents.