Survival of pleomorphic sarcoma-37 transplanted virgin female DBA/2J mice: effects produced by high blood glucose levels alone and in combination with drugs.

Procedures for producing, monitoring, and maintaining 3-hr 400-500-mg% whole blood glucose levels in Sarcoma-37 (S-37) transplanted virgin female inbred DBA/2J mice are described. Aqueous infused 40% (w/v) dextrose was evaluated as a potential therapeutic factor. The effects of procedural variations on treatment survival and longevity are discussed. One hundred percent infusion safety and 25% increased longevity over nontreated transplanted mice were achieved. Doxorubicin and/or dacarbazine were also evaluated when administered prior to the dextrose infusion. Doxorubicin followed by intravenous dextrose increased survivor longevity by 37%, but this combination was unsafe at the drug dosages employed. A large dose of dacarbazine was safe and effective alone but unsafe when given prior to the infusion, although the survivors lived 29% longer than the untreated transplanted controls. Both drugs were marginally effective, but safe, when given together. When given together prior to the infusion, only 87% survived the treatment. The survivors lived 6 days longer than the controls.