Chromosome aberrations of human small cell lung cancer induced by a new 111In-bleomycin complex

A new 111Indium labeled bleomycin complex (111In-BLMC) was prepared and found to be effective for tumor imaging and therapy both in mouse glioma and human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. Chromosome aberrations were studied in human SCLC cells to explore its mechanisms of killing cancer cells. SCLC cells (N417) were exposed to 111In-BLMC, BLM, or 111InCl3 (for control) for 1 hour, treated with colcemid, and chromosomal changes were analyzed. A dramatic increase in chromatic gaps, breaks, chromosome breaks, double minutes, rings, triradii, quadriradii, and chromosome stickiness were observed in the cells treated by 111In-BLMC compared to BLM or 111InCl3. These results indicated that 111In-BLMC has therapeutic potential for combination chemo-radiotherapy of cancer (e.g., by Auger electrons and local energy deposition).