HEXAMETHYLENE BISACETAMIDE AS A CHEMOPREVENTIVE AGENT IN HAMSTER-CHEEK POUCH TUMORIGENESIS

The chemopreventive effect of oral and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administ ration of hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) on 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benza nthracene (DMBA)-induced tumour formation in hamster cheek pouches was investigated. Male Syrian hamsters were treated by painting both chee k pouches with a 0.5% solution of DMBA twice weekly for 11 weeks. In a ddition to DMBA application, Group 1 hamsters were given 1% HMBA conti nuously in the drinking water and Group 2 hamsters received i.p. injec tion of HMBA at a dose of 500 mg/kg three times per week during the ex periment. Group 3 animals received DMBA application alone. Thirteen we eks after the start of the experiment, the numbers of cheek pouch tumo urs and tumour volume were significantly decreased by oral but not i.p . administration of HMBA. Low levels of HMBA were detected in the plas ma of the hamsters which were given 1% HMBA in drinking water. These r esults indicate that oral administration of HMBA can act as a chemopre ventive agent against hamster cheek pouch tumorigenesis. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd