The effect of tricyclic antidepressants on cutaneous melanoma cell lines and primary cell cultures.

The tricyclic antidepressants have previously been shown to exert activity against glioma cells in vitro. Initial studies in cell lines suggested that this might extend to melanoma cells. We have therefore conducted a study in primary cell cultures from metastatic cutaneous melanoma deposits using a well established ATP-based tumour chemosensitivity assay to confirm and extend these findings.

Storage of cell lines.

The successful storage of cell lines depends upon many factors, including the condition of the cells to be frozen and the experience of the operator. Attempting to freeze down unhealthy, contaminated or poorly labelled cells can have huge implications for a research laboratory. This chapter outlines the importance of good record keeping, vigilant monitoring, aseptic technique, and high-quality reagents in the successful storage and downstream propagation of cell lines.

The molecular basis of the chemosensitivity of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to chemotherapy.

Background: Chemotherapy benefits relatively few patients with cutaneous melanoma. The assessment of tumour chemosensitivity by the ATP-based tumour chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) has shown strong correlation with outcome in cutaneous melanoma, but requires fresh tissue and dedicated laboratory facilities.

Aim: To examine whether the results of the ATP-TCA correlate with the expression of genes known to be involved in resistance to chemotherapy, based on the hypothesis that the molecular basis of chemosensitivity lies within known drug resistance mechanisms.

Patterns of expression of DNA repair genes and relapse from melanoma.

Purpose: To use gene expression profiling of formalin-fixed primary melanoma samples to detect expression patterns that are predictive of relapse and response to chemotherapy.

Experimental Design: Gene expression profiles were identified in samples from two studies (472 tumors). Gene expression data for 502 cancer-related genes from these studies were combined for analysis.