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Clinical value of in vitro drug sensitivity testing based on short‐term effects on dna and rna metabolism in ovarian cancer
Author(s) -
Khoo S. K.,
Hurst T.,
Webb M. J.,
Dickie G.,
Kearsley J.,
Parsons P. G.,
Mackay E. V.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930410314
Subject(s) - in vitro , medicine , cisplatin , rna , melphalan , ovarian cancer , dna , drug , chemotherapy , in vivo , methotrexate , pharmacology , cancer , oncology , cancer research , biology , biochemistry , genetics , gene
The hypothesis that in vitro chemosensitivity testing could predict clinical outcome was tested in women with ovarian cancer. Short‐term drug effects on DNA and RNA metabolism (by inhibition of 3 H‐thymidine and 3 H‐uridine incorporation) were measured in primary cultures of tumor cells. In vitro inhibitory effects were found with the four drugs tested: cisplatin, adriamycin, melphalan, and methotrexate. From data based on impaired RNA and/or DNA metabolism (≥ 20% inhibition), correct prediction of “sensitivity” was 79% and that of “resistance” was 84%. An analysis of the predictive value of both assays, used singly or together, revealed a high specificity but moderate sensitivity; the best positive predictive value (94%) was obtained when both RNA and DNA metabolisms were impaired. Our results support the idea that two subsets of patients who are being considered for cytotoxic chemotherapy can be selected: those who may benefit from treatment and those who may not, regardless of the drugs tested in vitro or used in vivo.