Cell sensitivity assays : the MTT assay

The clonogenic assay described in Chapter 2 is not suitable for all cell lines. Many adherent cell lines do not form colonies and clearly it is not applicable to non-adherent cell lines. Furthermore, it is slow and time consuming. This chapter describes an alternative cytotoxicity assay that has a number of advantages when compared with a clonogenic assay. It is quick and easy and allows a large number of assays to be carried out in one batch. This is an important consideration when making comparisons between cell lines, between cytotoxic agents, or when evaluating combinations of drugs. No one cytotoxicity assay is ideal and it is always advisable to support results with those from alternative assays where possible.