Enhancement of radiosensitizing effect of the nitroimidazole derivative RK28 on the proliferation of MethA tumor cells in combined use with diethyldithiocarbamate.

The radiosensitizing effect of the nitroimidazole derivative RK28 and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), which is an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase activity, was examined in vitro by using Meth A tumor cells. The radiosensitizing effect of 0.5 mM RK28 was observed in both of 10 Gy and 15 Gy irradiated groups. The addition of 5 x 10(-7) M DDC also enhanced the radiation-induced proliferation inhibition. Marked enhancement of the antiproliferative effect was observed in combined use of 0.2 mM or 0.5 mM RK28 with 2 x 10(-7) M or 5 x 10(-7) M DDC. These results suggest that enhanced oxygen effect could be expected through combined use of the ionizing irradiation with both of these agents.