Effect of ICRF 159 on the Mammalian Cell Cycle: Significance for Its Use in Cancer Chemotherapy

Abstract

A quantitative cell culture technique was applied to the study of the mode of action of the cytostatic agent ICRF 159. The drug is not a general cytotoxic agent, but kills cells only during a brief period of the generation cycle. With the cell strain HEp/2, concentrations above 1.5 μg/ml were required for the lethal effect. The half-time of inactivation of the drug at 37° C in culture medium of pH 6.8–7.0 was of the order of 12 hours. These results agree with both clinical and experimental findings. Their implications for the therapeutic use of the drug are discussed.