Anti-cancer therapy with valine-depleted amino acid imbalance solution.

For the purpose of developing amino acid imbalance solution applicable to cancer treatment, we prepared seven kinds of amino acid imbalance solutions based on a 10% balanced amino acid solution and investigated the anti-tumor effects of each solution. The administration of valine-depleted amino acid solution for 8 days at a daily dose of 53 ml/rat (79.5 kcal/rat) resulted in the most significant inhibitory effects on the growth of hepatoma (AH109A) and mammary tumors (MRMT-1), the rate being 82.8% and 90.8%, respectively. Side effects observed were inhibition of increases in host body weight, weight loss of the spleen and thymus, loss of hair, and a decrease in the amounts of total plasma protein and albumin. When the daily dosage of valine-depleted amino acid solution was reduced to 40 ml/rat (58.3 kcal/rat), anti-tumor effects were still noticed, while side effects were abated. These findings indicate that side effects accompanying the use of this solution can be alleviated by controlling the ingredients of the solution as well as the amount administered. It is thus suggested that valine-depleted amino acid imbalance solution is a valuable tool in the treatment of cancer.