1982 Volume 22 Issue 4 Pages 435-439
The extent of tumor dissemination at the time of diagnosis is an important factor affecting the survival of lung cancer patients. In vitro sensitivity to drugs is helpful for successful chemotherapy of advanced lung cancer patients. A major objective of this study was to clarify the significance of direct cloning assay for the detection of metastatic sites, as well as for the selection of effective drugs for individual patients. Tumor cell colony growth was evaluated in an enriched double layer agar system as described by Salmon et al. Colonies were successfully grown from 5 of 7 cytology positive effusions, and 4 of 5 histology/cytology positive bone marrow aspirates. Two of 17 histology/cytology-negative bone marrow aspirates yielded colonies, whereas 5 cytology-negative effusions yielded no colonies. Colony growth was observed in 3 of 5 tumor specimens obtained surgically. For in vitro sensitivity, tumor cells were exposed to drugs 1 hour prior to plating. Although colonies were successfully grown from specimens of 5 patients, none was sensitive to drugs tested. We were not able to observe clinical response to in vitro non-sensitive drugs.
