Anti-tumour effects by a trimodal combination of temozolomide, meloxicam and X-rays in cultures of human glioma cells.

Purpose: To investigate the possible cytotoxic interactions between the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide (TMZ) and the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor meloxicam (MLC) or of both drugs combined with X-rays in three human glioma cell lines (D384, Hs 683 and U251).

Materials And Methods: Cells were exposed to TMZ (96 hours) and MLC was co-incubated during the last 24 h. Thereafter, cells were irradiated with X-rays and plated for a clonogenic assay.

Strategies for the analysis of in vitro radiation sensitivity and prediction of interaction with potential radiation modifying agents.

Purpose: To better predict radiation-drug interactions in in vitro model systems, thorough assessment of the effects of in vitro exposure is required. The aim of this article is to show that both clonogenic capacity and cellular proliferation, which represent important different elements of tumour conduct, can be considered when assessing in vitro radio sensitisation.

Methods: A model was designed that can predict radiation-drug interactions based on changes in clonogenic capacity and cell proliferation by radiation modifying agents.

Radiosensitizing potential of the selective cyclooygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor meloxicam on human glioma cells.

The COX-2 protein is frequently overexpressed in human malignant gliomas. This expression has been associated with their aggressive growth characteristics and poor prognosis for patients. Targeting the COX-2 pathway might improve glioma therapy.