Objectives: The goal of this research was to assess whether methoxypsoralen compounds in combination with ultraviolet light were effective in preventing cellular proliferation in an in vitro model of human transitional cell carcinoma.
Methods: Three methoxypsoralen compounds, 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), and 4'-aminomethyl 4,5'-8'-trimethylpsoralen (AMT), were added in vitro to T-24 transitional cell carcinoma cells. Psoralens directly bind to DNA, cross-linking the strands when exposed to ultraviolet light and thereby prevent cellular division.
Results: In vitro activity was demonstrated utilizing AMT and ultraviolet radiation at 320 to 340 nm, preventing cellular proliferation in T-24 transitional cell carcinoma.
Conclusions: Methoxypsoralen compounds in combination with ultraviolet light are effective in preventing proliferation of bladder carcinoma cells in vitro. This therapy may prove to be effective in clinical early stage transitional cell carcinoma and warrants further assessment.