Effect of alterations in permeability by nonionic surfactants on adriamycin cytotoxicity in murine tumor models in vitro

Differential effects of adriamycin cytotoxicity and its cellular uptake were assessed in murine tumor models utilising adriamycin alone and in combination with nontoxic concentrations of nonionic polyoxyethylated lauryl ether surfactants Brij 30 and Brij 35. Parental P388 murine leukemia cell line sensitive to adriamycin, subline of P388 murine leukemia resistant to adriamycin, sarcoma-180 and Ehrlich ascites tumor were employed in this study. The results indicate an enhanced DNA biosynthesis inhibition by adriamycin when used in combination with Brij 30 or Brij 35 in all the murine tumor models. The increase in adriamycin cytotoxicity was due to an increased accumulation of adriamycin observed in the tumor models used. The present investigation demonstrates the necessity of utilising surface-active drug-response modulators to enhance the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs and circumvent drug resistance.