Ribavirin is an anti-viral drug; however, recent data suggest that it may also be effective in cancer therapy. This study investigated the effect of ribavirin alone or in combination with IFN-alpha on biological processes: proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of murine (Renca) and human renal carcinoma (RCC) cells (786-0) in vitro.

Renca and 786-0 cells were treated with IFN-alpha, ribavirin, or a combination of IFN-alpha and ribavirin at varying concentrations. Cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. Induction of apoptosis and distribution of cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry. The migratory capacity of cells was quantified using a transwell migration assay. The toxic effect of these drugs was examined using MTT assay in HEK-293 cells. ELISA was used to measure IL-10 and TGF-beta content in the culture supernatants.

Our results showed that both ribavirin alone and in combination with IFN-alpha could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation and arrest the cell cycle progress at the G2/M phase. These treatments also inhibited cell migration and IL-10 production, in a concentration-dependent manner, in 786-0 and Renca cells. Moreover, they significantly induced apoptosis of RCC cells and increased TGF-beta production in concentration-dependent manner. No significant toxic effect was observed in HEK-293 cells. We also found that the effect of combined treatment was more pronounced than that of ribavirin or IFN-alpha alone. However, the combined effect of the two drugs was not synergistic.

Our findings suggest that ribavirin can negatively affect biological processes of RCC cells. This agent might become a new candidate for the treatment of RCC in the clinical setting.