Size-dependent resistance of human tumour spheroids to photodynamic treatment
1989
Resistance of Tumor Spheroids to Light Treatment
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): C.M.L. West
Primary Institution: Paterson Institute for Cancer Research
Hypothesis
How does the size of tumor spheroids affect their resistance to photodynamic treatment?
Conclusion
Larger tumor spheroids show significantly greater resistance to photodynamic treatment compared to smaller ones.
Supporting Evidence
- Cells in spheroids of 100, 250, and 500um diameter were respectively 1.8, 2.5, and 22-fold less sensitive to treatment.
- Unfed plateau-phase cultures were more resistant than exponentially growing cells.
- Drug uptake was lower in larger spheroids, suggesting a relationship between size and treatment resistance.
Takeaway
Bigger clumps of cancer cells are harder to treat with light therapy than smaller ones.
Methodology
The study involved exposing human colon adenocarcinoma spheroids to a photosensitizer and light, measuring their survival rates.
Limitations
The study may not account for all biological factors affecting treatment response.
Participant Demographics
Human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, WiDr.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.735
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website