I. Zapata

In vitro radiosensitisation by trabectedin in human cancer cell lines

PURPOSE To examine the potential radiosensitising properties of trabectedin (ET-743, Yondelis). METHODS AND MATERIALS In vitro chemosensitivity was assessed in four tumour cell lines (DU145, HeLa, HT29, HOP62) by the crystal violet method. IC10s and IC50s were established for 1-h, 24-h and 7-day (continuous) exposure times. Radiosensitisation was evaluated by conventional colony assay. BrdUrd DNA-labelling and flow cytometry were used to analyse cell cycle kinetics. The rate of apoptotic induction was assed by annexyn-V labelling. RESULTS Mean IC50s were 18.8 nM (10.5 - 30), 2.5 nM (1.5 - 5) and 0.25 nM (0.2-0.8) for 1 h, 24 h and continuous exposure times, respectively. HT29 and HOP62 were the most sensitive cells lines to trabectedin. Radiosensitisation was observed in DU145 and HeLa cells with a dose enhancement factor (DEF) of 1.92 and 1.77 at IC50 dose level, respectively. Trabectedin induced early S phase arrest in all cell lines studied. CONCLUSIONS Trabectedin, at pharmacologically appropriated concentrations, harbours a significant in vitro radiosensitising effect and induces cell cycle changes and apoptosis in several human cancer cell lines. Further studies to define the clinical potential of the combination of trabectedin and radiotherapy are needed.

Complicaciones del tratamiento quirúrgico tras radioterapia y quimioterapia neoadyuvantes en el cáncer no microcítico de pulmón: Análisis de una serie de 16 pacientes

Purpose: To compare the postoperative morbimortality of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated employing a full dose of induction radiotherapy (>59 Gy) with those receiving a standard dose of radiotherapy (≤45 Gy). Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with NSCLC treated by surgery after chemo-radiotherapy ± chemotherapy in our institution since December 2000 (n=16) is made. Data about survival, postoperative morbidity, and time and site of recurrence or metastases are considered. Results: There was no perioperative mortality. No statistical differences were found in postoperative morbidity when comparing both groups of radiation (p<0.197).The two years actuarial survival rate was 66.6 %. Conclusion: In our experience, it seems reasonable to offer surgery to patients with NSCLC even when they have received a full dose induction radiotherapy.

Radioterapia paliativa en niños: presentación de un caso clínico y recuerdo de sus indicaciones

• Propósito: conocer el papel de la radioterapia como tratamiento paliativo en la patología oncológica pediátrica. • Caso clínico: se comenta el caso de un niño de 10 años con neuroblastoma estadio IV de inicio que a pesar de sucesivos esquemas de tratamiento por progresión presentó metástasis cerebral única a los tres años del diagnóstico. • Resultados y conclusiones: revisada la literatura, se puede afirmar que la radioterapia es un tratamiento paliativo eficaz y adecuado cuando nuestro objetivo es controlar síntomas y ofrecer calidad de vida.