[Effect of azelaic acid on the growth of melanoma cell cultures in comparison with fibroblast cultures].

Azelaic acid, a linear C9 dicarbonic acid, can effect a reduction in the growth of melanoma cells. This was shown in a comparison of two human melanoma cell cultures and cultured human skin fibroblasts. The cultures were observed for 24 days. The reduction in growth effected by azelaic acid showed significant differences concerning the dose-effect ratio in both melanoma cell lines observed. There was no inhibition of cell proliferation in the fibroblast cultures. Morphological and final trypan blue tests suggest that azelaic acid is not cytotoxic but cytostatic in a selective way.