The effect of hydroxycamptothecin and pingyangmycin on human squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

The purpose of this study was to test hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) and pingyangmycin (PYM) for their ability to inhibit the squamous cells of tongue carcinoma (Tca8113 cells). The effect of these compounds was tested using the MTT assay in vitro, clonogenic assays, flow cytometry, morphological observation, telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP), transplantation of tumors into athymic mice and TUNEL staining. Treatment with HCPT and PYM, alone or in combination, inhibited the tumor cells and showed a greater inhibition when the drugs were combined. The cloning efficiency of Tca8113 cells was decreased. The microstructure and cell cycle of the cells changed significantly as a result of treatment. Telomerase activity was significantly inhibited in a time-dependent manner. By appearing to promote apoptosis, the drugs demonstrated a significant level of inhibition of the tumor cells in an athymic mouse model, promoting prolonged survival. HCPT and PYM have a marked cytotoxic effect on Tca8113 cells which is improved when used in combination.