Evaluation of boron neutron capture effects in cell culture using sulforhodamine-B assay and a colony assay.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to find an in vitro method for determining the cytotoxicity of boronated drugs as well as their potential suitability for neutron capture therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The survival of human melanoma cells has been determined by a colony assay and the sulforhodamine-B assay after X-irradiation and irradiation with fast d(14) + Be-neutrons using the boronated compound borocaptate sodium (BSH). The cytotoxic effects of BSH have been studied using both methods.

RESULTS

Under well-defined experimental conditions, and after a sufficient amount of time for the expression of radiation damage, the results of the sulforhodamine-B assay are qualitatively comparable with the results of the colony assay.

CONCLUSION

The sulforhodamine-B assay is suitable for the screening of compounds for potential use in neutron capture therapy because it is a fast and efficient method that is reproducible and technically advantageous.