ASSAYS FOR CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS

摘要

A new method of assaying cells for sensitivity to therapeutic agents is disclosed consisting of the steps of: encapsulating the cells within a semipermeable membrane; inoculating the encapsulated cells into a living host animal; exposing the cells to the therapeutic agent before or after inoculation; retrieving the microcapsules from the host animal; and, measuring changes in the encapsulated cells to provide an indication of cytotoxic effects. The inoculated, encapsulated cells provide an ideal environment that can mimic in vivo growth conditions under which the efficacy of various of chemotherapeutic agents can be tested.