Abstract

Our laboratory has implemented an in vitro assay to estimate the response to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer cells pertaining to individual patients. In two selected patients, we determined the correlation between an in vitro assay of cells from suspected ovarian cancer ascites, with the clinical chemotherapy response. Cancer cells isolated from peritoneal fluid with suspected ovarian cancer were tested for cytotoxicity with corresponding chemotherapy regimens. Circulating Ca125 levels and attending physician consultation determined clinical course and response to chemotherapy. The in vitro assay result correlated with Ca125 levels, progression free survival and attending physician evaluation. The assay predicted correctly the failure of two successive chemotherapy regimes in the first patient, while predicting a favorable clinical response in the second subject.