In vitro Sensitivity of Human Leukemic Cells to X-Rays.

Abstract

Blood leukocytes of 18 leukemic patients were isolated and resuspended in 50% normal human serum. Special slide preparations of the suspensions were irradiated with X-rays and incubated at 37[degree] C. The morphology and viability of the cells were determined by direct observations with phase microscopy and by time-lapse cine micrography. Non-irradiated cells remained viable for 4 to 7 days. Dosages of 5 to 1000 r reduced blood cell survival time in 11 of 12 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The leukocytes of the 12th patient were resistant to dosages of 1000 r but were killed by irradiation with 4000 r. 180 r spray X-ray treatment was given clinically but the white cell count showed only a slight decline and the patient failed to respond to the therapy. Irradiation with 1000 r produced little or no effect on the survival of blood cells from 3 patients with chronic myelo-genous leukemia and 3 with acute leukemia.