IT HAS been known for some time that certain chemicals and alkaloids are capable of inhibiting or arresting cell mitosis. Of these colchicine seems to be the most active.1 Colchicine has been used systemically in the experimental treatment of cancer.2 It has been shown to have the ability to slow malignant growths of certain types and even partially to destroy them. The lesions have recurred when treatment was discontinued.
A review of the literature revealed no instance in which the alkaloid had been applied directly to malignant growths. The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of colchicine when injected directly into malignant lesions. An attempt was made to place colchicine in direct contact with the malignant cells in sufficient concentration to destroy them. For this purpose a saline solution containing 1 mg. of colchicine per cubic centimeter was prepared.
The colchicine solution was first injected into