Leukopoiesis is not affected after intravenous treatment with the novel antineoplastic agent taurolidine. Results of an experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chemotherapy can induce serious leukopenia. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects on leukopoiesis when the antineoplastic agent taurolidine (TRD) is administered by a bolus injection or during repetitive treatment (21 cycles) over 7 days in rats.

METHODS: Rats were intravenously treated with a single injection (A) or by a 7-day treatment (B) with increasing doses of TRD versus control (isotone sodium) in a standardized animal model. Hematological adverse effects on leukopoiesis were analyzed in peripheral blood.

RESULTS: (A) Neither the highest TRD concentration (3%) nor 1 or 2% caused a significant difference between the control and TRD groups (p > 0.085) in the perioperative course after bolus administration. (B) The administration of TRD 3% led to a slight change of granulocyte and monocyte counts compared to the control group particularly on postoperative day 7, but this difference was not significant. In both protocols a slight postoperative increase in leukocytes was observed.

CONCLUSION: We report that TRD administered intravenously in an antitumor dose does not affect leukopoiesis in rats. Thus, the agent offers a promising and safe means in cancer treatment. The effects are currently investigated in incurable cancer patients.