Chemosensitivity of conjunctival melanoma cell lines to single chemotherapeutic agents and combinations
- Henrike Westekemper1,
- Michael Freistuehler1,
- Gerasimos Anastassiou1,
- Gordon Nareyeck1,
- Norbert Bornfeld1,
- Klaus-Peter Steuhl1,
- Max E Scheulen2,
- Ralf A Hilger2
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- 2Department of Internal Medicine / Cancer Research (West German Cancer Center), Laboratory “Pharmacology of Antineoplastic Substances”, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Correspondence to Dr Henrike Westekemper, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Essen, Hufelandstr. 52, 45122 Essen, Germany; henrike.westekemper{at}uk-essen.de
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Contributors RAH monitored data collection for the whole trial, performed the statistical analysis and revised the paper. HW supported statistical analysis, data collection and drafted the paper. They are guarantors. GA designed the study, analysed data and revised the paper. GN established the cell lines methodically, monitored the experiments and revised the paper. MF analysed the data, supported statistical analysis and revised the paper. MES planned and monitored data collection for the whole study and revised the draft paper. NB and K-PS initiated the collaborative project, monitored data collection and revised the paper.
- Accepted 11 December 2011
- Published Online First 23 January 2012
Abstract
Objective Two conjunctival cell lines (CRMM-1 and CRMM-2) have been established from recurrent conjunctival melanoma. The authors examined the chemosensitivity of these cell lines to cytotoxic substances and combinations to identify substances that inhibit cell growth efficiently in vitro.
Material and methods CRMM-1 and CRMM-2 were exposed to cisplatin, mitomycin C (MMC), all-trans-retinoic-acid (ATRA), fotemustine or imatinib for 24 h. Sulforhodamine-B assays were used to assess the IC50. Isobolograms were performed to test possible synergism and antagonism with ATRA or imatinib.
Results Cisplatin and MMC were efficient to inhibit the growth of CRMM-1 and CRMM-2. Combination of imatinib with MMC showed additive antitumoral effect on both cell lines. Combined treatment of imatinib with fotemustine or cisplatin resulted in antagonism. Strong antagonisms were also obtained with ATRA and fotemustine or cisplatin in both cell lines. A synergism was found for ATRA and mitomycin or imatinib in CRMM-2, in contrast to CRMM-1, where antagonism was obtained.
Conclusions Cisplatin and MMC inhibit cell growth in conjunctival melanoma cell lines. The potential of ATRA was evident only in combination with MMC or imatinib in CRMM-2 cells. Imatinib and mitomycin increased their efficiency under combination therapy.
- Conjunctival melanoma
- cell lines
- chemosensitivity
- SRB assay
- conjunctiva
- experimental and laboratory
- neoplasia
- ocular surface
- pharmacology
- neoplasia
- retina
- choroid
Footnotes
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Funding The study was funded by the Dr Werner-Jackstädt-Stiftung, Wuppertal, Germany.
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Competing interests None.
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Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
