The extent of chromosomal aberrations induced by chemotherapy in non-human primates depends on the schedule of administration

We utilized a non-human primate model, the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), to quantitate the extent of chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells following chemotherapy. Thiotepa, etoposide, and paclitaxel were chosen as the chemotherapy agents due to their distinct mechanisms of action. Chromosomal aberrations were quantitated using traditional Giemsa stain. We sought to evaluate the extent to which genotoxicity was dependent on the schedule of administration by giving chemotherapy as either a bolus or a 96 h continuous infusion. Neutropenia and areas under the concentration curve (AUCs) were monitored to ensure comparable cytotoxicity and dose administered. At least 100 metaphases were scored in each marrow sample by an investigator unaware of the treatment history of the animals. All three drugs produced a statistically significant higher percentage of abnormal metaphases following bolus chemotherapy (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0015 and p < 0.0001 for thiotepa, etoposide and paclitaxel, respectively). We conclude that infusional administration of thiotepa, etoposide and paclitaxel is less genotoxic to normal bone marrow cells than is bolus administration. These results suggest infusional regimens may be considered where there are concerns about long-term genotoxic sequelae, including secondary cancer, teratogenicity, or possibly the development of drug resistance. We believe this approach provides a reproducible model in which drugs and eventually, regimens can be compared.