Behavior of cancers of the human lung in short-term tissue cultures

Forty six human lung cancers have been studied in vitro by phase microscopy, cinemicrography and cytologic staining of monolayers. In addition the in vitro findings have been correlated with histologic examinations of whole lung sections and cancer tissue explants sacrificed at specific intervals. The in vitro study was restricted to short-term cultures to provide an optimal reflection of in vivo cancer properties. The use of a multidiscipline methodology assured the identification of the in vitro cancer cell and the validity of the findings. Eight distinctive types of in vitro cancer behavior have been found, cellular interactions described and new cytostructural insights gained. Also, in vitro parameters of potential clinical value are suggested, particularly in view of the high yield of lung cancer cells obtainable in short-term cultures.