Evaluation of the anticancer activity of CuDIPS in SJL/J mice.

A copper complex, Cu(II)2(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)4 (CuDIPS) was found to have anticancer activity in the SJL/J tumor system. Toxic effects were eliminated by use of the subcutaneous rather than the intraperitoneal route of administration and, unlike Tween 80, polyvinyl alcohol was shown to have no effect on development of reticulum cell sarcoma when used as the carrier. Age at the onset of treatment was a factor of importance with significant reductions in tumor incidences when therapy was initiated at 20 or at 40 weeks, but not at 30 weeks of age. Maximal inhibitory effects on tumor incidence were achieved by CUDIPS concentrations of 0.35 mumol/mouse and 0.50 mumol/mouse. No difference in inhibitory influence was observed when mice were injected weekly rather than biweekly with the complex.