[An in vitro chemosensitivity test for human breast cancer based on morphological changes in the nucleus]

We have developed a simple in vitro chemosensitivity test for breast cancer. Tumor tissues were chopped finely with razor blade. The cell clumps were pounced into tissue culture medium, which contained a specified level of concentration of anticancer drugs, and incubated at 37 degrees C for four to eight hours. Nine to 10 kinds of drugs were tested on each specimen. After incubation, the clumps were pumped down. The cells were smeared and stained with Giemsa for microscopic examination. The individual tumors showed different sensitivities towards various drugs, and the typical morphological changes observed in their nuclei; were karyorrhexis and karyopyknosis.