Effect of X-rays combined with ACNU and O6-ethylguanine on rat subcutaneous gliomas

Rat gliomas of subcutaneously transplanted RGc-6 cells were irradiated with X-ray either alone, or combined with ACNU, and the cell-survival was assayed in vitro. Cell-survival curve composed of two components by X-irradiation alone indicated the presence of a hypoxic cell fraction. We have previously shown that combined treatment with ACNU apparently made the effect of X-ray on spheroids in vitro of the same cell line of RGc-6 more powerful. Although treatment of rat gliomas with ACNU administered at 2 hrs prior to X-irradiation was most effective, it resulted in only the additive effect of the independent action of the two agents. Further treatment by O6-ethylguanine prior to ACNU administration and X-irradiation apparently increased the strength of the effect of ACNU combined with X-ray to the dose-modifying factor for X-ray of 1.8. The result indicated that the combination of O6-ethylguanine prior to ACNU administration and X-irradiation may clinically enhance the effect of X-ray against apparent ACNU-resistant glioma cells such as RGc-6 cells. (author)