A new, fast and semi-automated size determination method (SASDM) for studying multicellular tumor spheroids.
BACKGROUND
Considering the width and importance of using Multicellular Tumor Spheroids (MTS) in oncology research, size determination of MTSs by an accurate and fast method is essential. In the present study an effective, fast and semi-automated method, SASDM, was developed to determinate the size of MTSs. The method was applied and tested in MTSs of three different cell-lines. Frozen section autoradiography and Hemotoxylin Eosin (H&E) staining was used for further confirmation.


RESULTS
SASDM was shown to be effective, user-friendly, and time efficient, and to be more precise than the traditional methods and it was applicable for MTSs of different cell-lines. Furthermore, the results of image analysis showed high correspondence to the results of autoradiography and staining.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of assessment of metabolic condition and image analysis in MTSs provides a good model to evaluate the effect of various anti-cancer treatments.
Monazzam
Azita
A
Institute of Oncology, Radiology and Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University. azita.monazzam@uppsala.imanet.se
Razifar
Pasha
P
Lindhe
Orjan
O
Josephsson
Raymond
R
Långström
Bengt
B
Bergström
Mats
M