[In vitro study of the cytotoxicity and selectivity of 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol]

Since the mid seventies different groups of scientists have reported unanimously a cytotoxic effect of 7 beta-OH-cholesterol on tumor cell cultures. The effect on normal soma cells and a therewith associated possible tumor-specific selectivity however, is contrarily described. The present results confirm the cytotoxic effect of the substance against tumor cells. Further a high suppression in cell function of dividing soma cells by 7 beta-OH-cholesterol could be found. Thus the substance does not fulfill the hope for a selective drug in tumor therapy.