[Tumor radiosensitivity tests: state of assays in 1998]

Various assays measuring tumor radiosensitivity were developed in the early eighties. These assays were based on cell cultures derived from tumor biopsies. In most studies there was no correlation between measured radiosensitivity and treatment outcome. New assays using new techniques (such as measurement of radiation-induced apoptosis, or fluorescence in situ hybridization) have been developed recently. Preliminary results are encouraging, but correlation with treatment outcome is expected to be difficult to demonstrate as multivarious clinical and biological parameters are involved in loco-regional control.