Potent cytotoxic action of the immunotoxin SWAll-ricin A chain against human small cell lung cancer cell lines
1992
Immunotoxin SWA11-ricin A chain's effects on small cell lung cancer
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): E.J. Derbyshire, R.V. Henry, R.A. Stahel, E.J. Wawrzynczak
Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the cytotoxic effects of SWA11-ricin A chain against various human tumor cell lines, particularly small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Conclusion
SWA11-ricin A chain is highly effective in selectively killing SCLC cells while sparing non-target cells.
Supporting Evidence
- SWA11-ricin A chain was able to inhibit protein synthesis in SCLC cell lines with an IC50 as low as 5 x 10^-10 M.
- At a concentration of 1 x 10^-8 M, SWA11-ricin A chain eliminated over 99.9% of clonogenic tumor cells.
- The cytotoxic activity of SWA11-ricin A chain was enhanced by the presence of monensin.
- Monensin reduced the lag phase of cytotoxicity and increased the rate of protein synthesis inhibition.
- SWA11-ricin A chain showed selective toxicity towards SCLC cell lines compared to non-SCLC lines.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special treatment can kill cancer cells from the lungs very effectively, while not hurting other types of cells.
Methodology
The study used various human tumor cell lines in tissue culture to assess the cytotoxic effects of SWA11-ricin A chain and its kinetics.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website