A CONVENIENT AND INEXPENSIVE CHEMO-RADIOSENSITIVITY ASSAY FOR LUNG-CANCER CELLS USING TERASAKIS MICROPLATE

We devised a simple in vitro sensitivity test for lung cancer cells us ing Terasaki's microplate. We used the test to screen for sensitivity to various carcinostatic drugs and radiation, and to determine the opt imum method of administration. This assay has been used in routine cli nical examinations because about 40% of non-small cell carcinoma and 8 0% of small cell carcinoma of the lung can be subcultured. We describe here our patients mho underwent treatment, various sensitivity tests and the preparation of an optimal course of treatment based upon the r esults of the sensitivity tests. Cells were placed in primary culture as previously described for short-term selective culture, and 2nd-3rd generation subcultured cells mere transferred to individual wells of T erasaki's microplates for various sensitivity tests. After culture for 10 days, the effect mas evaluated using 0.1% iodonitrotetrazolium (IN T). This test permits a variety of sensitivity tests and various studi es of clinical models of intensive treatment to be performed convenien tly and reproducibly, because subcultured cancer cells are used. Anoth er advantage is that these cells can be applied to basic investigation s, including the preparation of monoclonal antibodies and chromosomes, DNA ploidy and oncogene studies.