Synergistic effect of carboplatin and piroxicam on two bladder cancer cell lines

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of carboplatin and piroxicam, both in isolation and combined, against T24 and 5637 human urinary bladder cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: Cell viability, drug interaction, cell morphology, cell proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed after 72 h of drug exposure. Statistical analysis was performed and values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Drug exposure in combination led to a significant reduction of cell viability comparatively to single-drug exposure. These combinations resulted in a synergistic interaction in the T24 (combination index for 50% effect (CI50)=0.65) and 5637 (CI50=0.17) cell lines. Notable increase of morphological alterations, a marked decrease of Ki-67 expression, a considerable enhancement of autophagic vacuoles and a minimal effect on apoptosis was observed in both cell lines treated with combined drugs. Conclusion: Data showed that in vitro combination of carboplatin and piroxicam produced a more potent antiproliferative effect when compared to single drugs.