Potential of 1.3-diethylbenzimidazolium triiodide in experimental therapy for lung cancer.

Abstract

e15094 Background: The practice of thoracic oncology demonstrates that the lungs often become affected by cancer. The antitumor effect of chemoradiation therapy can be poor, and surgical treatment is associated with reduced functionality of the organ and therefore reduced quality of life of patients. Therefore, nonspecific agents are required that combine a pronounced antitumor effect and, at the same time, restore pulmonary tissue. Our purpose was to study the effects of 1,3-diethylbenzimidazolium triiodide in a rat model of lung cancer by morphological analysis of pulmonary tissues. Methods: An experimental model of lung cancer was created in 60 male and female rats by subclavian infusion of sarcoma 45 cell suspension in the saline at a dose of 0.5 ml (2×106). Iodine-containing preparation was administered enterally at 0.4 mg/kg daily for 5 days with a 2-day interval; treatment was started immediately after the intravenous injection of malignant cells, the therapy lasted for 8 weeks. The morphological control of the lungs was performed at decapitation of animals, tissue processing and staining, by light microscopy using the LEICA DM LS2 microscope with magnification of up to x100. Results: Hematogenous introduction of tumor cells into the lung caused hemorrhage, “acute swelling” of the alveoli, microabscesses, distelectasis, colonization of interalveolar septa with tumor cells and the formation of large metastatic foci. Involutive changes in the tumor tissue were noted together with signs of pulmonary regeneration: after 5 weeks of the treatment – pronounced activation of immune cells and occurrence of elastic fibers with reserve tortuosity; after 8 weeks - active proliferation of epithelial elements that form the bronchial-alveolar apparatus, an increase in surfactant activity in hypertrophied alveoli, and a significant strengthening of the elastic and collagen framework of the alveolar walls. Conclusions: Morphological correlates of the experimental effect of 1,3-diethylbenzimidazolium triiodide indicate its strong antitumor properties and potential for improving the recovery capabilities of the structure-forming elements of the lung.