Doxorubicin (Dx) effects on metastatic spreading of prostate cancer were investigated using a rat metastatic tumor (R3327-MatLyLu). Intravenous injection of monodispersed tumor cells resulted in tumor nodule formation in the lungs. A simultaneous bolus injection of Dx (3.2 mg/Kg) caused a significant decrease in lung colony formation and growth. However, Dx administered during the course of spontaneous metastasis, or as adjuvant chemotherapy 24 hours before surgical removal of primary tumor, caused a significant increase in metastasis to the lungs. It is concluded that an intravenous doxorubicin bolus injection does not provide an antimetastatic effect, but increases metastastic spreading of prostate tumor.

Intravenous doxorubicin bolus injection does not provide an antimetastatic effect but increases metastastic spreading of prostate tumor.

Doxorubicin treatment increases metastasis of prostate tumor (R3327-MatLyLu).

Key Takeaway: Intravenous doxorubicin bolus injection does not provide an antimetastatic effect but increases metastastic spreading of prostate tumor.