Purpose: Herein we report that carboplatin infusion influenced tumor blood flow signal independent of the mechanical decompression induced by the artificial lymphatics system technology that was being evaluated as part of a randomized veterinary clinical trial, treating spontaneously occurring canine appendicular osteosarcoma, a tumor very similar to its human counterpart.
Methods: Blood flow within the central region of the tumor was recorded continuously using laser Doppler flowmetry, a real-time measurement technology. Time-averaged flow values were computed from segments taken from the recordings immediately before starting carboplatin infusion, and during infusion.
Results: Carboplatin increased the tumor blood flow signal by an additional 59 +/- 26% (mean +/- SEM; p = 0.06) over the increase induced by the decompression. The increase started within 49 +/- 46 s after the start of infusion, had a response time constant of 19 +/- 21 s and persisted throughout the infusion, ending shortly after infusion ended.
Conclusion: The rapidity of the flow signal increase suggests that carboplatin may have an autonomic effect on circulation, either local or systemic. The observations identify a new action of this drug and suggest a possible mechanism to exploit therapeutically.