[Progress in experimental chemotherapy of colorectal cancer]

The aim of the present study was a prospective evaluation of the predictive value of a new system as a primary screen for cytotoxic compounds with activity against cancer of the large bowel. Basically, this system consists of three human continuous colorectal cancer cell lines that have previously been shown to manifest in vitro responsiveness consistent with that known from clinical trials. Cytotoxic drug effects are measured by use of a new semiautomated radiometric technique (Bactec system). Among 22 investigational compounds, currently being investigated in phase I or early phase II clinical trials, we found that trimetrexate, DUP-785, didemnin-B, and flavone-8-acetic acid might be effective for treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.