Comparing the cytotoxicity of taurolidine, mitomycin C, and oxaliplatin on the proliferation of in vitro colon carcinoma cells following pressurized intra-peritoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC)

Background Besides its known antibacterial effect commonly used in intraperitoneal lavage, taurolidine has been observed to possess antineoplastic properties. In order to analyse this antineoplastic potential in a palliative therapeutic setting, taurolidine (TN) was compared to mitomycin C (MMC) and oxaliplatin (OX), known antineoplastic agents which are routinely used in intraperitoneal applications, following pressurized intra-peritoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). Methods An in vitro model was established using a colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29 human cells). Different experimental dosages of TN and combinations of TN, MMC, and OX were applied via PIPAC. To measure cell proliferation, a colorimetric tetrazolium reduction assay was utilized 24 h after PIPAC. Results We demonstrated a cytotoxic effect of TN and OX (184 mg/150 mL, p 0.05) or MMC with OX (p > 0.05) applied via PIPAC. Conclusions The intraperitoneal application of TN is mostly limited to lavage procedures in cases of peritonitis. Our results indicate a substantial antineoplastic in vitro effect on colon carcinoma cells following PIPAC application. While this effect could be used in the palliative treatment of peritoneal metastases, further clinical studies are required to investigate the feasibility of TN application in such cases.