Background: Disseminated fibrosarcoma still represents a therapeutic dilemma because of lack of effective cytostatics. Therefore we tested tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and taurolidine, in combination with established and new chemotherapeutic agents on human fibrosarcoma (HT1080).
Materials and methods: Human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) were incubated with doxorubicin, mafosfamide and trabectedin both alone and in combination with taurolidine and TRAIL. Vital, apoptotic and necrotic cells were quantified using flow cytometric analysis. Cell proliferation was analysed using a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) ELISA assay.
Results: Single application of doxorubicin and trabectedin induced apoptotic cell death and significantly reduced the proliferation of HT1080 cells. In combination treatment, the addition of taurolidine and TRAIL resulted in a stronger reduction in the degree of cell viability when compared to single treatment. Trabectedin and taurolidine displayed a greater potential for inhibiting proliferation than did doxorubicin alone.
Conclusion: When combined with TRAIL and taurolidine, treatment with doxorubicin and trabectedin demonstrated stronger apoptosis-inducing and antiproliferative effects.