Apoptotic and mitotic activity in squamous cell carcinoma cells after combined modality treatment with gamma-irradiation and dibromodulcitol

Abstract

A-431 squamous cell carcinoma cells were treated in vitro with either 4 Gy radiation of 15 (or 45) microg/ml dibromodulcitol (DBD), as well as with combined 4 Gy irradiation and DBD, with the latter as either a pretreatment or post-treatment. DBD alone or in combination with radiation had a greater effect on cell proliferation than the effect of radiation alone. The difference is due to a higher level of apoptosis induced by DBD, especially in conjunction with radiation. Such a combination may therefore be useful in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, which in general responds poorly to radiation therapy.