Cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects of 5-thio-D-glucose on hypoxic cells.

The effect of 5-thio-D-glucose on the viability and radiosensitivity of P815-X2 mouse mastocytoma cells was studied in vitro. By itself, this compound is specifically cytotoxic toward hypoxic cells; moreover, it sensitizes hypoxic cells to irradiation while it protects aerobic cells from radiation damage. These features, together with its low toxicity, suggest that 5- thio-D-glucose may be useful adjuvant to radiotherapy