[Chemosensitivity test utilizing in vivo-like growing of renal cell carcinoma]

Utilizing two different types of renal cell carcinoma (JRC 1; papillary pattern, grade III, JRC 11; anaplastic and alveolar pattern, grade IV) heterotransplanted in nude mice, studied: 1) chemosensitivity tests using an in vivo-like growing culture method (collagen gel-supported culture system) with 3H-thymidine up-take assay; 2) using H and E staining, serial change of each tumour in this culture system was examined during 7 days after culture start-up. The chemo-agent tested was natural human interferon-alpha (HLBI), and the doses were 10, 100, 1,000 I.U./ml. In JRC 1, significant responses to IFN (10, 100, 1,000 I.U.) were noted, but no dose dependency was observed. In contrast, in JRC 11, compared with control, a decrease of 3H-thymidine up take in each dose of IFN was observed, but no significant differences were observed between the tested groups and control. In the 3-day culture of JRC 1, the central portion contained fewer viable cells. In the 7-day, the majority of the viable cells were replaced throughout the tumour. In contrast, in the 3-day culture of JRC 11, a decrease of viability in the central portion was observed, and this tendency progressed during the period of culture. In the 7-day only two to three thin viable cell layers were observed around the cultured tumour. Consequently differences of growth features in this culture system can be seen between the different types of tumours. Thus, a more detailed examination is needed for the clinical application of this culture system.