Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Carmofur and Vitamin C Combination on HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, especially combined treatment options that will reduce the side effects of drugs have attracted attention. Carmofur is a new potent agent being investigated in the treatment of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of carmofur+vitamin C combination in colon cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Carmofur in the range of 7.8-250 µM, vitamin C in 7.8 µM-2mM and carmofur+vitamin C in different concentrations were evaluated on HCT116 cells by MTT test. In addition, the cell death pathway was determined by an apoptosis-necrosis assay. Results: The IC50 value of carmofur in HCT116 cells was 8 µM, vitamin C was not effective at low doses, and the IC50 value was 2.2 mM. When carmofur+vitamin C were applied to HCT116 cells, 4 µM carmofur and 125 µM vitamin C together inhibited half of the cells (IC50), while 4 µM carmofur and 2 mM vitamin C inhibited half of the cells similarly. Conclusion: Vitamin C doubled the anticancer effect of carmofur. As a result, it was observed that vitamin C supplementation significantly increased cell death in anticancer drug administration. In addition, it was determined that the addition of vitamin C significantly increased the apoptotic activity.