BACKGROUND: Titanocenedichloride (MKT 4) is a new antineoplastic metal complex with proven activity in several experimental tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, the cytotoxic activity of titanocenedichloride in fourteen primary and twelve recurrent ovarian carcinomas (OvCA) was evaluated by an in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay. RESULTS: In primary tumors, MKT 4 was found to be at least as effective as cisplatin (DDP) and doxorubicin (DOX). In samples derived from pretreated patients, titanocenedichloride was even more active. In both groups of tumors, a lack of cross resistance between the two metal compounds as well as between MKT 4 and DOX was apparent. The new agent was found to be active in eight of seventeen DDP-resistant (primaries: n = 4; recurrences n = 4) and also eight of seventeen DOX-resistant tumors (primaries: n = 4; recurrences n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a remarkable in vitro activity of titanocenedichloride in native OvCA specimens, even in those exhibiting resistance against cisplatin or doxorubicin. The putative role of this novel drug for the future therapy of OvCA should be evaluated by additional in vitro and in vivo studies.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

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In vitro activity of titanocenedichloride in human renal cell carcinoma compared to conventional antineoplastic agents.

In the present study, the in vitro activity of titanocenedichloride, a novel anticancer metal complex, in eleven primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specimens was evaluated by an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay. Compared to standard antineoplastic agents such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone and vinblastine, titanocenedichloride was found to exhibit higher cytotoxicity. Four tumors showed strong sensitivity to the new agent. Three of them were resistant to conventional cytostatics. These findings indicated a lack of cross-resistance between titanocenedichloride and both natural compounds as well as platin analogues. Since mitoxantrone was also found to exhibit marked antineoplastic activity with no evidence of cross-resistance to titanocenedichloride, the combination of both drugs in RCC should be evaluated further with additional in vitro studies.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗