In vitro chemosensitivity of head and neck cancer cell lines

• Main Authors: Schuler PJ, Trellakis S, Greve J, Bas M, Bergmann C, Bölke E, Lehnerdt G, Mattheis S, Albers AE, Brandau S, Lang S, Whiteside TL, Bier H, Hoffmann TK
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-08-01
• Series: European Journal of Medical Research
• Subjects: Head and neck cancer; Chemotherapy; Chemosensitivity; Cell line; MTT
• Online Access: http://www.eurjmedres.com/content/15/8/337

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Systemic treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) includes a variety of antineoplastic drugs. However, drug-resistance interferes with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Preclinical testing models are needed in order to develop approaches to overcome chemoresistance.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten human cell lines were obtained from HNSCC, including one with experimentally-induced cisplatin resistance. Inhibition of cell growth by seven chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, carboplatin, 5- fluorouracil, methotrexate, bleomycin, vincristin, and paclitaxel) was measured using metabolic MTT-uptake assay and correlated to clinically-achievable plasma concentrations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All drugs inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 comparable to that achievable <it>in vivo</it>. However, response curves for methotrexate were unsatisfactory and for paclitaxel, the solubilizer cremophor EL was toxic. Cross-resistance was observed between cisplatin and carboplatin.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Chemosensitivity of HNSCC cell lines can be determined using the MTT-uptake assay. For DNA-interfering cytostatics and vinca alkaloids this is a simple and reproducible procedure. Determined <it>in vitro </it>chemosensitivity serves as a baseline for further experimental approaches aiming to modulate chemoresistance in HNSCC with potential clinical significance.</p>