Time required for effective action of phenol against giant cell tumour cells.

Purpose: To evaluate the time required for effective action of phenol against the giant cell tumour (GCT) cells.

Methods: Fresh GCT cells were harvested from 9 patients with primary GCT of the distal femur (n=4), proximal tibia (n=4), and proximal humerus (n=1), with the Campanacci tumour grades 3 (n=6), 2 (n=2), and 1 (n=1). Specimens were immersed in 80 % phenol for one, 3, 6, and 10 minutes, and were assessed by a single pathologist for irreversible cell death and the depth of phenol penetration.

Results: Phenol caused consistent GCT cell death in 6 of the 9 specimens after 3 minutes and in all 9 specimens after 6 minutes, compared to none in controls (p<0.0001). The mean depths of phenol penetration were 15 (range, 11-20) and 19 (range, 15-25) cell thickness after 6 and 10 minutes, respectively (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: GCT cells immersed in 80% phenol for 6 minutes resulted in consistent cell death.