Efficacy of Modulated Pectin and Metformin on Walker Carcinosarcoma Progression in Rats Undergoing Chemotherapy with Doxorubicin and Fluorouracil

Abstract

Background: Cancer has caused nearly 10 million deaths globally in 2020, accounting for one-sixth of all
fatalities. Although chemotherapy can be effective in some cases, it often fails to treat solid tumors effectively
because of their biological diversity and uncontrolled growth. Chemotherapy can also be toxic, particularly when
multiple drugs are used. This study aimed to investigate the potential of combining low-molecular-weight pectin
and metformin with chemotherapy in Walker carcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted
using white-outbred Wistar rats. Tumors were transplanted subcutaneously, and the animals were then treated with
pectin and metformin administered intragastrically using a probe, whereas cytostatic agents were administered
intraperitoneally. Antitumor activity was assessed based on three parameters: tumor growth inhibition (TGI),
survival/increase in life span (ILS), and average lifespan. Results: The combination of pectin and doxorubicin had
the most significant antitumor effect (TGI 88.66% and ILS 142.22%) compared to the combination of metformin
and cytostatic agents. In a series of experiments with fluorouracil, a notable antitumor effect was observed with the
combination of fluorouracil and metformin (TGI, 89.6%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that combined
therapy with modified citrus pectin and doxorubicin led to higher antitumor effects and ILS than doxorubicin
monotherapy. In addition, the combination of metformin and fluorouracil showed the potential to increase survival
rates, suggesting its potential detoxifying properties.