Antitumour effects of genetically engineered Salmonella in combination with radiation

The antitumour efficacy of lipid A mutant Salmonella was evaluated alone an d in combination with X-rays in mice bearing B16F10 or Cloudman S91 melanom as. Each treatment alone slowed tumour growth and prolonged survival, and t he combined treatments produced supra-additive antitumour effects. That is, in dose-response studies with single doses of Salmonella and increasing do ses of radiation, the two agents together caused suppression of tumour grow th that was greater than that calculated for additivity. The results sugges t that the combination of these genetically engineered Salmonella with radi otherapy could be a new and beneficial treatment for solid tumours. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.