Evaluation of the antitumor effects of Echovirus in combination with Doxorubicin in a mouse model of breast cancer

Background. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death among women globally. Standard treatments for this disease include radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is currently the most effective chemotherapy drug for breast cancer. However, the side effects of these treatments have prompted researchers to explore alternative methods such as the use of oncolytic viruses or combination therapies. This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor effects of Echovirus and Doxorubicin use in a mouse model of breast cancer. Methods. After inducing breast cancer, the mice were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Then, the mice were treated twice with a one-week interval using Doxorubicin with and without Echovirus. The measurements included tumor volume, survival rate, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) production rate, nitric oxide (NO) production rate, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by splenocytes. Results. In the present study, it was found that the tumor volume as well as the production levels of IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β cytokines decreased significantly in mice treated with a combination of Doxorubicin and Echovirus, compared to groups treated with single agents or the control group. Additionally, the survival rate, IFN-γ cytokine production, as well as the production of NO and LDH, significantly increased in the group receiving the combined treatment compared to the other treatment and control groups. Conclusion. According to the findings of this study, combining Doxorubicin with Echovirus may enhance its effectiveness, necessitating clinical trial studies. Practical Implications. The results of this study indicate that the combination of Echovirus with Doxorubicin could be utilized as a new therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that researchers and physicians engage in the design and implementation of clinical trials to evaluate the effects of this combination in cancer patients. These trials can help identify optimal dosages, assess safety, and investigate potential side effects, ultimately leading to the development of more effective treatment protocols for patients.