Equivalent Chemotherapy Efficacy Against Leukemia in Mice Treated With Topical Vasoconstrictors to Prevent Cancer Therapy Side Effects

February 2016 in “ International Journal of Cancer ”

Amanda Graul‐Conroy, Emily J. Hicks, William E. Fahl

alopecia vasoconstrictors cyclophosphamide oral mucositis phenylephrine

Studysummary In this mouse study, applying a vasoconstrictor before chemotherapy did not create a leukemia sanctuary or significantly impact survival outcomes, suggesting it may not interfere with leukemia treatment. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated the use of topically applied vasoconstrictors as a strategy to prevent chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and alopecia in mice with L1210 leukemia. B6D2F1 mice were treated with various vasoconstrictors before receiving cyclophosphamide to assess if a leukemia sanctuary was created, potentially worsening survival outcomes. The results showed no significant differences in median survival time or leukemia progression between mice treated with cyclophosphamide alone and those pre-treated with vasoconstrictors. This indicated that topical vasoconstrictors did not create a sanctuary for leukemia cells. A Phase I/IIa trial was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of orotopical phenylephrine in preventing oral mucositis in patients undergoing stem cell transplant conditioning, suggesting a potential cost-effective method for managing chemotherapy side effects.

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