A new, fast and semi-automated size determination method (SASDM) for studying multicellular tumor spheroids

Abstract

Background: Considering the width and importance of using Multicellular Tumor Spheroids (MTS) in oncology research, size determination of MTSs by an accurate and fast method, is essential. In the present study an effective, fast and semi-automated method (SASDM) has been developed to determinate the size of MTSs. The method was applied and tested in MTSs of three different cell-lines. Frozen section autoradiography and Hemotoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining was used for further confirmation. Results: SASDM was shown to be very effective, user-friendly, time efficient and more precise than the traditional methods. The method was applicable for MTSs of different cell-lines. Results of image analysis showed high correspondence to the results of autoradiography and staining. Conclusions: The combination of assessment of metabolic condition of the MTSs e.g. with PET-tracers and image analysis in MTSs provides a good model to evaluate effect of various anti-cancer treatments. © 2005 Monazzam et al., licensee BioMed Central Ltd.