Some cardiotonics enhance the effectiveness of angiotensin II-induced hypertension cancer chemotherapy in mice.

Angiotensin II-induced hypertension chemotherapy proved to be more effective than conventional chemotherapy using cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (DDP), when applied to an established mouse mammary carcinoma. In an attempt to improve the effectiveness, a cardiotonic such as aminophylline or trans-pi-oxocamphor was added to a solution containing angiotensin II and DDP. A remarkable improvement in therapeutic efficacy was apparent as compared to angiotensin II hypertension chemotherapy. A possible synergism between angiotensin II and the cardiotonic may result in selective delivery of the antitumor drug to the tumor tissue.