Human oral squamous cell carcinoma in in vitro culture.

Human biopsy specimens from squamous cell carcinomas in the oral cavity were explanted to an in vitro system for organ culture. Carcinoma cells in great number were observed after 2 weeks in vitro. A considerable variability in cell survival occurred after approximately 1 week. This period of time is, however, sufficient to perform experimental manipulation of the tumor tissue, e.g., testing of chemosensitivity, radiation effects, etc.