Chemosensitivity testing in ovarian cancer – prospects for the future

Abstract

Individualization of treatment on the basis of in vitro chemosensitivity testing constitutes one of the aims of contemporary oncology. Although previous studies report advantages resulting from chemosensitivity laboratory tests, the issue remains an area of interest. The aim of this study was to discuss chemosensitivity assay methods of ovarian cancer cells. ATP-TCA (ATP-based tumor chemosensitivity assay) is the most investigated chemosensitivity test in ovarian cancer, with well-documented efficacy. Potentially, it is possible to use the xCELLigence system to evaluate chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer cells by measuring their colony volume but application of this method remains in the experimental phase. Optimization of ovarian cancer treatment would improve chemotherapy results, thus increasing the overall survival, improving the quality of patient life, decreasing chemotherapy-related toxicity and resulting in economic benefits owing to better drug use.