Correlation of in vitro chemosensitivity and clinical responses to anticancer drugs in primary adenocarcinoma of the lung
Yang, S.C.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 89(3): 214-219
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0929-6646 PMID: 1974594 Document Number: 357629
Cancer cells were isolated from either pleural effusion or tumor biopsies of 16 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the lung. Human tumor clonogenic assay was then performed using the double layer agar system. The cells were continuously exposed to 8 kinds of anticancer drugs, including adriamycin, vincristine, 5-FU, mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, methotrexate and BCNU (carmustine) for 14 days in the following concentrations: 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 micrograms/ml. A more than 50% reduction in colony counts was regarded as responsive. Active drugs were selected by observing colony reduction at a specific upper concentration for each individual agent. Combinations of the 1 to 4 most potent drugs as recognized by in vitro chemosensitivity tests were given to the patients. Drainage of the fluids or pleurodesis was avoided. Assessment of patients' clinical conditions was made at the 8th week following chemotherapy. Thirteen (81.3%) patients showed a marked decrease in the amount of effusion, improvement in symptoms and signs and/or a decreased serum CEA level. It is concluded that chemosensitivity in vitro correlates well with clinical responses and recognition of effective drugs prior to treatment may improve the results of chemotherapy of primary lung adenocarcinomas.