Sigmoid model versus median-effect analysis for obtaining dose-response curves for in vitro chemosensitivity testing

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine how the in vitro dose-response effects of chemotherapeutic agents should be analyzed and reported. Methods : We arbitrarily evaluated the effects of mitomycin-C and 4-OH-cyclophospha mide on the human ovarian cancer cell line CAOV-3. Dose-response curves (DR Cs) were calculated by non-linear (sigmoid model: SigmaPlot) and linear cur ve fitting (median-effect analysis: CalcuSyn). Results: In theory and pract ice, the sigmoid model provided better curve fits and graphical presentatio n than the median-effect analysis. Conclusion: Thus, this model should pref erably be used as a basis for selection of anticancer drugs for clinical us e.