Combination of dihydroxyanthraquinone and radiation on L1210 murine leukemia.

A new synthetic anthraquinone, dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ), was tested as a single agent and in combination with whole-body x-irradiation in mice bearing L1210 leukemia in the ascites form. DHAQ alone had significant antitumor activity as evidenced by prolonged mean survival times; radiation was ineffective. The combination of the two modalities produced a therapeutic benefits greater than that produced by either agent alone: mean survival times were increased and a number of cures (animals alive at 30 days) produced. These results suggest the potential of using DHAQ and radiation in a combined modality therapeutic approach.