Ex vivo responsiveness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to vinorelbine.
BACKGROUND
Vinorelbine has been identified as an effective cytostatic drug in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To predict the individual chemoresponse, the application of an ex vivo assay to quantify the response of HNSCC to vinorelbine is presented.


METHODS
Twelve biopsies from primary HNSCC sites and five biopsies from metastatic lesions were analyzed (n = 17). The specimens were investigated ex vivo for the overall, epithelial and stromal chemoresponse to vinorelbine.


RESULTS
By selective evaluation of the epithelial chemoresponse, the applied assay identified three specimens as vinorelbine-sensitive (18%), including one de novo sensitivity in a metastatic lesion of a vinorelbine-resistant hypopharyngeal carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Applying flavin-protecting culture methods and with careful correction for the stromal cell effect, the assay generated reliable data for the assessment of the individual chemoresponse of HNSCC specimens to vinorelbine. The assay may, therefore, facilitate the implementation of individualized chemotherapy protocols.
Dollner
Ralph
R
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde / Plastische Operationen der Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. ralph@dollner.com
Granzow
Christof
C
Tschop
Katrin
K
Dietz
Andreas
A
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007624:KB Cells; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077235:Vinorelbine
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D014747:Vinblastine; D000077235:Vinorelbine