Induction of apoptosis by a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin in the presence of hyperthermia.

OBJECTIVE

To study enhancing effects of paclitaxel in the thermochemotherapy of osteosarcoma cell lines and related mechanisms.

METHODS

Paclitaxel and carboplatin were used alone or jointly on OS732 cell lines in the presence of hyperthermia. Inhibition of proliferation was measured by MTT assay and cellular changes were assessed with inverted phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy. Apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry (FCM) and Fas expression by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

At 43 degrees C, one hour after the application of 10 μg/ml paclitaxel and 5 μg/ml carboplatin on OS732 cells jointly, the survival rate was 15.8% which was significantly lower than with 10 μg/ml paclitaxel (45.8%) and 5 μg/ml carboplatin (47.7%) respectively (P<0.01). Moreover, changes of morphology and apoptotic rates indicated that the apoptosis-inducing effect of combined application was also much enhanced, as evident also regarding Fas expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Paclitaxel is conducive to thermochemotherapy of osteosarcoma cell lines, possibly accomplished by up-regulation of Fas expression with induction of apoptosis.