Newcastle disease virus enhances the antitumor efficacy of Doxorubicin in a cervical cancer mouse model

Background and aims Cervical cancer (CC) is a common cancer among women, often treated with Doxorubicin (Doxo). Research is underway to explore the use of oncolytic virus (OV) therapy as a means to improve drug efficacy and enhance the immune system's tumor-fighting capabilities. Hence, our study purposes to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in increasing the antitumor efficacy of Doxo in mouse models of CC. Methods and materials TC1 cells were administered to C57BL/6 mice (Female) in a range of 6 to 8 weeks age (n = 40) to induce tumor growth. After tumor development, four treatment groups of mice were formed. Treatment were performed through NDV, Doxo, and a combination of both in three groups of treatment twice in a one-week intervention manner, while the control group treated with PBS. Following the last treatment, half of these mice were subjected to euthanize due to the immune-response assessment, and the other half were followed up till they died naturally in a certain period of time. Results Mice that underwent the combined treatment showed significantly improved survival rates and slower tumor progression in comparison with the control group. This combined treatment substantially elevated nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the splenocytes cultures of mice bearing cervical tumors. Furthermore, combination therapy resulted in a notable elevation in TNF-alpha, IL-12, and IFN-gamma, secretion alongside a reduction in the release of TGF-beta and IL-4 within the splenocytes in counter with the treatment of just NDV or Doxo. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, it seems that utilizing NDV can improve the effectiveness of Doxo in a mouse model of CC, suggesting it can serve as an adjunct therapy alongside chemotherapy.