RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cordycepin/Hydroxyurea Synergy Allows Low Dosage Efficacy of Cordycepin in MOLT-4 Leukemia Cells JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 3143 OP 3146 VO 27 IS 5A A1 WEHBE-JANEK, HANIA A1 SHI, QIANG A1 KEARNEY, CHRISTOPHER M. YR 2007 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/27/5A/3143.abstract AB Background: Cordycepin requires the relatively toxic co-drug, deoxycoformycin, for full efficacy as an anti-cancer agent. We sought to improve cordycepin efficacy using other, less toxic co-drugs. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the ability of hydroxyurea (HU) to enhance the effects of cordycepin against MOLT-4 leukemia cells with the MTT cell viability assay. We determined the relationship of the combination drug treatment with CalcuSyn statistical analysis program according to the Chou-Talalay method. Results: HU (50 μg/ml) was found to reduce the IC50 of cordycepin from 100 μM to 0.3 μM, a reduction similar to that observed for deoxycoformycin. CalcuSyn analysis of the cordycepin/HU combination revealed the dose effect as synergistic. Further statistical analysis demonstrated a clear synergy between the two drugs at a range of dosages. Conclusion: HU was identified as a promising potential alternative for anti-cancer therapy with cordycepin, thus eliminating the need for the toxic deoxycoformycin. Copyright© 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved