Immunocytochemical localisation of VP16-213 in normal and malignant tissues

Immunocytochemistry has been used to visualise the distribution of the anti-cancer drug VP16-213 in tissues from normal and leukaemic mice, and in EMT6 mammary tumours. Uptake of the drug into EMT6 tumour tissue was poor compared to uptake into normal tissues (liver, kidney, heart, small intestine). Uptake of the drug into tissues from L1210 mice was greater than that into normal tissues. Immunocytochemistry promises to be a very useful additional technique for studying the distribution of drugs given singly or in combination, specific organ toxicities, and mechanisms of resistance.