Collagen membrane wrapping around methotrexate-containing calcium-phosphate cement reduces the side effects on soft tissue healing.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate whether the collagen membrane (membrane) wrapping around the methotrexate (MTX)-containing calcium-phosphate cement (CPC) reduces the side effects on soft tissue healing.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In 36 rats, femoral bone defects were created and treated in six groups which were CPC only, CPC and membrane wrapping around, CPC containing 2% MTX, CPC containing 2% MTX and membrane wrapping around, CPC containing 5% MTX, CPC containing 5% MTX and membrane wrapping around.

RESULTS

Histological examinations revealed a statistically significantly improved healing in the connective tissue samples of the CPC containing 5% MTX group wrapped around by membrane compared to those without membrane (p=0.04). However, this was not seen in other groups.

CONCLUSION

Membrane wrapping around the CPC containing MTX reduces the side effect of MTX on cellular proliferation at its highest concentration, particularly. Membrane wrapping may allow administration of higher doses of an anti-neoplastic drug which can be more effective.