Sister chromatid exchanges induced in human lymphocytes by cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II).

Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) frequency in cultured lymphocytes from seven patients with lung cancer receiving cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (Pt(II] for chemotherapy was studied. Significantly increased SCE frequency was observed in all the patients, six of whom received intravenous infusion of Pt(II) and one of whom received the agent as an intrapleural infusion. In addition, a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of SCE was observed in lymphocytes from healthy subjects upon exposure to Pt(II) in vitro. The results of the present study revealed that Pt(II) is a potent inducer of SCE in human lymphocytes in vivo and in vitro. It thus appears that follow-up study of the long-term survivors who have been treated with this agent for cancer is necessary because of the possible occurrence of secondary neoplasms.