A 5-Fluorouracil Derivative: Carmofur as a New Potent Agent for Inhibition of Human Prostate and Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Breast and prostate cancers are frequent cancers worldwide. Their morbidity and mortality require to be diminished by developing new approaches and new potent drugs for treatment. Carmofur is indicated as a new potent agent for treatment of some cancers. Herein, we investigated cytotoxic and growth-inhibiting effects of carmofur on prostate adenocarcinoma and breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity was tested using MTT colorimetric assay. The ultrastructural and morphological changes and proapoptotic activity were examined by using transmission electron and confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Carmofur showed its toxicity by reducing the viability of cells significantly in dose-dependent manner. Our TEM and confocal microscopy results showed ultrastructural and morphological changes of cell structure that were attributed to apoptosis. Proapoptotic activity was supported with our flow cytometry results. All data underlined the potency of carmofur on being antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing agent on DU-145 and MCF-7 cells. These findings imply to anticancer activity of carmofur, but further investigations for its properties and mechanisms are required.