The use of the hairless mouse to develop topical cytostatic combination chemotherapy

Abstract

Summary In a search for more topically active anti‐proliferative agents for potential use in psoriasis and in skin cancer, certain putative cytostatic drugs have been investigated in hairless mouse epithelium. We found that 5% concentrations of razoxane, tubercidin and podophyllin and 0.2% concentration of vincristine produced a significant local inhibition of DNA synthesis. These drugs were also evaluated in combination with either 0.25% cycloheximide or 5% 5‐fluorouracil, two compounds with established topical cytostatic action. Enhanced effects were noted from combining tubercidin, vincristine or razoxane with cycloheximide and from combining tubercidin with 5‐fluorouracil. In view of the inflammatory side‐effects of cycloheximide, this drug was combined with 0.001% and 0.005% betamethasone 17‐valerate and the combination found to be significantly more effective than cither drug applied alone. There is potential for clinical investigation into the topical use of these drugs both alone and in combination with other agents.