Treatment of the Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome with autologous in vitro cultured vaginal tissue: descriptive study of long-term results and patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in patients treated with a modified Abbé-McIndoe technique using in vitro cultured autologous vaginal mucosa. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome. POPULATION: From 2006 to 2016, 39 women affected by Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) underwent vaginoplasty at our centre using a modified Abbé-McIndoe technique with in vitro cultured autologous vaginal tissue. METHODS: For each patient, vaginal tissue was obtained by full-thickness biopsy of the vaginal vestibule. Following enzymatic dissociation, cells were cultured for 2-3 weeks before the transplant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each patient completed two validated questionnaires to quantify sexual function and QoL: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), administered at 12, 36, and 60 months, and the Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI) administered at 0, 6, and 36 months after surgery. RESULTS: Twelve months after surgery, 29 patients were engaging in regular sexual activity. The FSFI test results showed a satisfactory sexual function compared to the general population, with median values of 25.85 (range 4.6-30.5) at 12 months, 27.2 (range 4.4-33.6) at 36 months, and 29.6 (range 23.9-33.6) at 60 months. The PGWBI questionnaire showed a median score of 420.5 (range 108-540) before surgery, and 459 (range 252-533) at the 60-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginoplasty performed with the use of autologous vaginal tissue, besides ensuring a long-term satisfying sex life, helps in achieving an improvement in QoL that is maintained over time. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Vaginoplasty using in vitro vaginal tissue ensures a satisfactory sexual function and improves quality of life.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with mild or moderate ventriculomegaly in the era of fetal neurosonography: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To report the rate of additional central nervous system (CNS) anomalies detected exclusively on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses diagnosed with isolated mild or moderate ventriculomegaly (VM) on ultrasound, according to the type of ultrasound protocol adopted (dedicated neurosonography vs standard assessment of the fetal brain), and to explore whether the diagnostic performance of fetal MRI in detecting such anomalies is affected by gestational age at examination and laterality and degree of ventricular dilatation. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for studies reporting on the prenatal MRI assessment of fetuses diagnosed with isolated mild or moderate VM (ventricular dilatation of 10-15 mm) on ultrasound. Additional anomalies detected only on MRI were classified as callosal, septal, posterior fossa, white matter, intraventricular hemorrhage, cortical, periventricular heterotopia, periventricular cysts or complex malformations. The rate of additional anomalies was compared between fetuses diagnosed on dedicated neurosonography, defined as a detailed assessment of the fetal brain, according to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines, and those diagnosed on standard fetal brain assessment. The rate of additional CNS anomalies missed on prenatal MRI and detected only at birth was calculated and compared between fetuses that had early (at or before 24 weeks' gestation) and those that had late (after 24 weeks) MRI. Subanalysis was performed according to the laterality (uni- vs bilateral) and degree (mild vs moderate, defined as ventricular dilatation of 10-12 and 13-15 mm, respectively) of ventricular dilatation. Whether MRI assessment led to a significant change in prenatal management was explored. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used. RESULTS: Sixteen studies (1159 fetuses) were included in the systematic review. Overall, MRI detected an anomaly not identified on ultrasound in 10.0% (95% CI, 6.2-14.5%) of fetuses. However, when stratifying the analysis according to the type of ultrasound assessment, the rate of associated anomalies detected only on MRI was 5.0% (95% CI, 3.0-7.0%) when dedicated neurosonography was performed compared with 16.8% (95% CI, 8.3-27.6%) in cases that underwent a standard assessment of the fetal brain in the axial plane. The overall rate of an additional anomaly detected only at birth and missed on prenatal MRI was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.04-1.5%) (I2 , 0%). There was no difference in the rate of an associated anomaly detected only after birth when fetal MRI was carried out before, compared with after, 24 weeks of gestation (P = 0.265). The risk of detecting an associated CNS abnormality on MRI was higher in fetuses with moderate than in those with mild VM (odds ratio, 8.1 (95% CI, 2.3-29.0); P = 0.001), while there was no difference in those presenting with bilateral, compared with unilateral, dilatation (P = 0.333). Finally, a significant change in perinatal management, mainly termination of pregnancy owing to parental request, following MRI detection of an associated anomaly, was observed in 2.9% (95% CI, 0.01-9.8%) of fetuses undergoing dedicated neurosonography compared with 5.1% (95% CI, 3.2-7.5%) of those having standard assessment. CONCLUSIONS: In fetuses undergoing dedicated neurosonography, the rate of a CNS anomaly detected exclusively on MRI is lower than that reported previously. Early MRI has an excellent diagnostic performance in identifying additional CNS anomalies, although the findings from this review suggest that MRI performed in the third trimester may be associated with a better detection rate for some types of anomaly, such as cortical, white matter and intracranial hemorrhagic anomalies. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PARP inhibition: A promising therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is burdened by the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. Gold standard is represented by the association of platinum-taxane -based chemotherapy and radical surgery. Despite several adjustments occurred in cytotoxic drug in last decades, most patients continue to relapse, and no significant enhancement has been reached in the overall survival. The development of drug resistance and the recurrence of disease have prompted the investigations of other targets that can be used in the treatment of ovarian cancers. Among such targets, polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) represents a novel way to target specific patways involved in tumor growth. PARP accelerates the reaction of the polyADP-ribosylation of proteins implicated in DNA repair. PARP inhibitors have shown activity in cancers with BRCA mutations, with other deficient DNA repair genes or signaling pathways that modulate DNA repair, or in association with DNA damaging agents not involved in DNA repair dysfunction. A number of inhibitors for PARP has been developed, and such drugs are under investigation in clinical trials to identify their impact in the treatment of ovarian cancers. This review aims to summarize the recent researches and clinical progress on PARP inhibitors as novel target agents in ovarian cancer.

Management of hydrosalpinx before IVF: a literature review.

Hydrosalpinx has a detrimental effect on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Surgical intervention such as salpingectomy or tubal occlusion before IVF improves the outcome of IVF, but these procedures are often contraindicated in women with dense pelvic adhesions. Thus, it is worthwhile to search minimally invasive alternative therapies. The main objective of this review is to assess and compare the value of all the therapeutic options for hydrosalpinx before IVF. The results of the following procedures were compared: the laparoscopic treatments (salpingectomy/proximal tubal occlusion), the hysteroscopic insertion of device achieving tubal occlusion, the tuberous sclerosis and the aspiration of hydrosalpingeal fluid at the time of IVF procedure. Laparoscopic surgical treatment should be considered for all women with hydrosalpinx before IVF. Whenever laparoscopy is not recommended, hysteroscopic insertion of device seems the most effective option for management of hydrosalpinx before IVF.

Human B-cell immune response to the polymorphic epithelial mucin.

Human antibodies generated by Epstein-Barr virus immortalized B-cells from tumor-draining lymph nodes of an ovarian cancer patient were screened for reactivity in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a synthetic peptide corresponding to the protein core of the polymorphic epithelial mucin. Epitopes within this region are in fact considered tumor specific since they are selectively exposed in tumor cells due to aberrant glycosylation. Human antibody BB5, thus selected, reacts in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry with polymorphic epithelial mucin-expressing tumor cells. This is the first demonstration of the existence of a B-cell immune response to selected epitopes of polymorphic epithelial mucin and, together with the cytotoxic T-cell response already demonstrated, constitutes the basis for the use of synthetic peptides as a vaccine in cancer patients.

Erythropoietin addition to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor abrogates life-threatening neutropenia and increases peripheral-blood progenitor-cell mobilization after epirubicin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin combination chemotherapy: results of a randomized comparison.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: The ability of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plus erythropoietin (EPO) treatment was compared in a randomized fashion with that of G-CSF treatment alone in promoting hematologic recovery and peripheral-blood progenitor-cell (PBPC) mobilization in previously untreated patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent their first course of epirubicin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin (ETP) chemotherapy during a phase II study of intensive outpatient ETP chemotherapy followed by high-dose carboplatin, etoposide, and melphalan (CEM) late intensification with PBPC support. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of hematologic recovery of 50 randomized patients, after ETP chemotherapy, showed that life-threatening neutropenia occurred in 88% of the patients treated with G-CSF alone, whereas it occurred in only 4% of patients treated with G-CSF + EPO. Significantly different WBC and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) counts were observed in the two distinct arms on the day of WBC nadir (P <.0001 and P <.0001, respectively). Moreover, the addition of EPO to G-CSF increased PBPC mobilization and collection as compared with that in G-CSF-treated patients (P =.0009 and P =.0026, respectively), who required a significantly higher number of leukaphereses than G-CSF + EPO-treated patients (P =.0076) to obtain the planned minimum dose of PBPCs. Qualitative analysis by cloning assay of PBPCs collected in both arms revealed that G-CSF- and G-CSF + EPO-mobilized PBPCs have comparable in vitro functional properties. CONCLUSION: This randomized comparison revealed that EPO significantly increases most of the hematologic effect produced by G-CSF administration after chemotherapy. This biologic property of EPO translated in vivo into a global improvement of patients' hematologic status.

Type II estrogen-binding sites and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Type II estrogen-binding sites (type II EBS) have been demonstrated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using a whole cell assay with [6,7-3H]estradiol [( 3H]E2) as tracer. During whole cell incubations for 60 min at 37 C for type II EBS quantification, we found that PBMC contain 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta HSD) activity, which led to errors in estimating type II EBS concentrations by diminishing, by about 70%, the amount of available labeled E2. On the other hand, after 150 min at 4 C only 16% of the tracer was converted to estrone. Thus, we measured the maximal steady state binding in PBMC by incubating the cells with [3H]E2 at 4 C for 150 min. Equilibrium binding analysis of PBMC yielded sigmoid saturation curves with a saturation point at a ligand concentration of about 40 nmol/L. Scatchard analysis of binding data yielded a concave plot, which together with a Hill coefficient of 2.13, suggests that the type II EBS may have multiple binding sites which display positive cooperativity. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd), determined from the [3H]E2 concentration required for half-saturation, was about 22 nmol/L. The type II EBS were estrogen specific, as demonstrated by competition experiments. Only those steroids with estrogenic activity inhibited binding of [3H]E2; nonestrogenic steroids did not. The type II EBS were found to be 3S macromolecules based on analysis of postlabeled fractions prepared by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The number of type II EBS in PBMC from normal women was highest during the late follicular-early luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We conclude that human PBMC specifically take up, retain, and metabolize E2.

Antiproliferative effect of silybin on gynaecological malignancies: synergism with cisplatin and doxorubicin.

The aim of this study was to test the antiproliferative activity of silybin, a flavonoid, on human ovarian and breast cancer cell lines. Since flavonoids are thought to act through Type II oestrogen binding sites (Type II EBS), silybin binding to Type II EBS was also examined. Silybin, used in concentrations from 0.1 to 20 microM, exerted a dose-dependent growth inhibitory effect on OVCA 433, A2780 parental and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells, and MCF-7 doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant breast cancer cells (IC50 = 4.8-24 microM). Both L and D diastereoisomers of silybin were effective in inhibiting A2780 WT cell growth (IC50 = 14 and 20 microM, respectively). Flow cytometry revealed that silybin decreased the percentage of cells in the S and G2-M phases of the cell cycle with a concomitant increase in cells in the G0-G1 phase. Silybin was able to compete with [3H]E2 for nuclear but not cytosolic Type II EBS. Its affinity parallels its efficacy in inhibiting cell proliferation. Furthermore, silybin (0.1 and 1 microM) potentiates the effect of cisplatin (CDDP) (0.1-1 micrograms/ml) in inhibiting A2780 WT and CDDP-resistant cell growth. Similar results were obtained on MCF-7 DOX-resistant cells when silybin (0.1 microM) was associated with doxorubicin (0.1-10 micrograms/ml). As assessed by the Berembaum isobole method, the effect of silybin-CDDP and silybin-DOX combinations results in a synergistic action. Using the 'stem cell assay' described by Hamburger and Salmon [Science 1977, 197, 461-463], we found that silybin exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of clonogenic efficiency of cells derived from three ovarian tumours (IC50 = 7.4, 4 and 6.4 microM, respectively). Since CDDP and DOX are the two most commonly used drugs for gynaecological tumours, the clinical application of silybin is currently under investigation in our institute.

Effect of recombinant human interferon-alpha 2b on receptors for steroid hormones and epidermal growth factor in patients with endometrial cancer.

Interferons (IFNs) may modulate oestrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) receptor expression in vitro. ER, PR and EGFR levels in tumour specimens taken from 13 patients with endometrial adenocarcinomas before and after 5 days' intramuscular treatment with 5 x 10(6) U per recombinant human leucocyte interferon-alpha 2b (rh IFN-alpha 2b). After treatment, ER (P less than 0.01) and PR (P less than 0.05) levels were significantly increased with a simultaneous reduction of EGFR content (P less than 0.05). Since the expression of ER and PR characterises more differentiated hormono-sensitive tumours, while EGFR are preferentially expressed in less differentiated tumours, the increase of steroid hormone receptor levels with the reduction of EGFR expression suggests that rh IFN-alpha 2b may induce endometrial cancer cell differentiation. Moreover, the decrease of EGFR levels may explain the antiproliferative effect of IFNs.

Clinical significance of cathepsin D in primary ovarian cancer.

Cathepsin D (Cath D) levels were assayed in a prospective series of 72 patients with primary ovarian carcinoma, by using an immunoradiometric assay. Cath D levels ranged from 2.00 to 45.60 pmol/mg protein with a median value of 15.80 pmol/mg protein. Cath D levels were higher in metastatic deposits than in primary tumors (median 24.12, range 9.33-98.33 pmol/mg protein versus median 12.76, range 2.00-45.20 pmol/mg protein; P = 0.04). The cut-off levels of the lower, median and upper quartiles of the distribution of Cath D were identified to distinguish patients with low, intermediate, and high Cath D content. Cases with low Cath D content showed a lower percentage of complete response to chemotherapy than cases with intermediate and high Cath D content (22% versus 65% and 47%, respectively) (P = 0.003). Moreover cases with high Cath D content showed a worse prognosis with respect to patients with intermediate Cath D levels (P = 0.09). Interestingly, cases with low Cath D content had a shorter progression-free survival with respect to cases with intermediate Cath D content (P = 0.04). Cath D status retained an independent prognostic value when assessed in the multivariate analysis.

Immunological reconstitution after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous blood stem cell transplantation for advanced ovarian cancer.

We evaluated the immunological reconstitution of patients who underwent high-dose chemotherapy and autologous blood stem cell transplantation (ABSCT) for advanced ovarian cancer. Sixty days after transplantation a complete reconstitution of lymphocytes and of the CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD16/56 subsets was observed in this series. A significant increase in the count of interleukin-2 receptor expressing lymphocyte (CD25) was found on day +60 after transplantation compared to that obtained at diagnosis and before transplantation. A significantly higher lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) precursor activity was seen on day +60 compared to the values obtained at diagnosis and before transplantation while natural killer activity did not show any significant variation. We conclude that ABSCT gives prompt and complete immunohaematopoietic reconstitution after high-dose treatment. Moreover, our data support the feasibility of interleukin-2/LAK therapy as consolidative therapy after ABSCT.

Immunohistochemical localization of creatine kinase BB in primary breast cancer: correlation with estrogen receptor content.

The brain-type (BB) isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK) has recently been shown to be estrogen-regulated in human breast cancer cells in vitro. In this study we have correlated the presence of CK-BB, evaluated by immunoperoxidase procedures, with the estrogen receptor (ER) content in 35 primary breast cancers. Of 35 tumors examined, 66% revealed moderate to strong CK-BB immunoreactivity. Staining was exclusively located in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells. A positive relationship was observed between CK-BB positivity and ER content with ER-rich tumors (greater than 50 fmoles/mg protein) showing a more intense immunoreactivity than ER-poor ones. The results indicate that CK-BB is estrogen-regulated in human breast cancer and suggest that evaluation of this enzyme may be of potential value for the detection of hormone responsive tumors.

Estrogen responsive creatine kinase in human breast cancer cells.

The brain type (BB) isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK) is a very sensitive marker of estrogen action in rat uterus and in experimental mammary tumors. In order to detect useful markers for estrogen dependent human breast cancer cell proliferation we measured CK levels and isoenzyme composition in the CG5 cells, an estrogen supersensitive variant of the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Under basal conditions, CK-BB accounted for 10%-15% of total enzymatic activity, while the MM isoenzyme represented the overwhelming component. In cells cultured in the presence of 5% charcoal-treated fetal calf serum, physiological concentrations (0.1-1 nM) of estradiol increased CK-BB levels in a dose- and time-related fashion. The effect was specific for estrogens and was prevented by antiestrogens. Our results show that CK-BB is estrogen regulated in the CG5 cells and suggest a possible role for this enzyme as an additional marker of the hormonal responsiveness of breast cancer.

Antiproliferative effects of somatostatin and the somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 on three human breast cancer cell lines.

The antiproliferative effect of somatostatin and the somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 on three human breast cancer cell lines (CG5, T 47 D, and ZR 75-1) is reported. Both peptides markedly inhibited CG5 cell growth with a maximal inhibition of about 40% as compared with control cells. The antiproliferative effect of somatostatin on T 47 D and ZR 75-1 cells was much less evident. These results suggest that somatostatin is a peptide inhibitory factor for human breast cancer cells. Possible therapeutic implications of these findings are still to be investigated.

Pelvic lymphocele following radical para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma: incidence rate and percutaneous management.

Thirty-six women, treated with radical hysterectomy (Piver types III-IV) plus systematic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma, underwent serial postoperative ultrasound examinations to determine the incidence of lymphocele and the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous catheter drainage. Pelvic lymphoceles, ranging in volume from 46-300 mL, occurred in eight patients (22.2%) between the 12-24th postoperative day. Percutaneous catheter drainage, inserted under local anesthesia, was used for a mean time of 14.5 days (range 4-32), resulting in a mean daily drainage of 92.2 mL and a mean total volume of 1727.5 mL per patient. Catheter drainage allowed complete clinical and sonographic remission in all cases, and only one asymptomatic recurrence was observed at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage has proved to be a well-tolerated, safe, and effective technique in the management of lymphocele that obviates the need for more invasive surgical procedures.

Anatomical study of para-aortic and pelvic lymph nodes in gynecologic malignancies.

Between January 1986 and June 1990, systematic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 208 women with untreated ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the median number of nodes collected from each pelvic and para-aortic group and to verify a new detailed nomenclature for the various lymph node groups. The para-aortic nodes were distinguished as paracaval, precaval, and retrocaval, depending on their relationship with the vena cava. Para-aortic, pre-aortic, and retro-aortic nodes were located close to the aorta. The nodes situated between the vena cava and aorta were designated intercavo-aortic. A median of 26 (range 15-48) para-aortic nodes were collected during ovarian or endometrial cancer operations. The lymphatic system of the pelvis was divided into six groups, depending on the relationship with the pelvic blood vessels. The pelvic nodes were distinguished as common, internal and external iliac, presacral, obturator, and parametrial. In cases of cervical cancer, the median number of pelvic nodes collected was 38 (range 20-88). Such anatomical study of the lymphatic system shows that a higher number of nodes than expected can be found in the retroperitoneum.

Quercetin potentiates the effect of adriamycin in a multidrug-resistant MCF-7 human breast-cancer cell line: P-glycoprotein as a possible target.

This study demonstrates that the flavonoid quercetin (Q), a plant-derived compound with low toxicity in vivo, greatly potentiates the growth-inhibitory activity of Adriamycin (ADR) on MCF-7 ADR-resistant human breast cancer cells. The effect of Q was dose-dependent at concentrations ranging between 1 and 10 microM. Since ADR resistance in these cells is associated with the expression of high levels of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), we evaluated the effect of Q and related flavonoids of Pgp activity in cytofluorographic efflux experiments with the fluorescent dye rhodamine 123 (Rh 123). Our results indicate that Q and 3-OMe Q (3',4',7-trimethoxyquercetin) but not the 3-rhamnosylglucoside of Q (rutin) inhibit the Pgp pump-efflux activity in a dose-related manner. Moreover, 10 microM Q reduces the expression of the immunoreactive Pgp in MCF-7 ADR-resistant cells as evaluated by cytofluorimetric assay. In conclusion, these findings provide a further biological basis for the potential therapeutic application of Q as an anti-cancer drug either alone or in combination with ADR in multidrug-resistant breast tumor cells.

Measurement of a monoclonal-antibody-defined antigen (90K) in the sera of patients with ovarian cancer.

Serum levels of CA125 and 90K, a new tumor-associated antigen, were measured in 73 ovarian cancer patients and 70 patients with benign gynecological conditions. Abnormally high serum CA 125 and 90K levels were found in 49% and 78% of these patients, respectively. When a combination of the two markers was used, the sensitivity increased to 86%. The percentage of 90K positivity did not significantly correlate with stage of disease or with histological type. A statistically significant correlation was found between 90K positivity rate and grade of tumor differentiation. Elevated serum CA 125 and 90K levels were present in 32% and 29% of patients with benign ovarian tumors, respectively. Only 1 case out of 26 with endometriosis had high 90K levels, compared to 7 patients with abnormal CA 125 levels. Serial measurements of 90K concentrations were found to be correlated with the clinical behaviour of the disease during chemotherapy. Moreover, rising levels of 90K preceded the clinical detection of recurrence with a median lead-time of 3 months. In 2 of these cases the serial changes in 90K values were better correlated with the course of disease than changes in CA 125 levels. Our data suggest that 90K combined with CA 125 may be applied for the detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Growth inhibitory effect of LH-RH analogs on human breast cancer cells.

The antiproliferative effect of two LH-RH agonists (Pro 9-LH-RH ethylamide and D Ser(t BU)6 Aza Gly 10-LH-RH, ICI 118630) on the human breast cancer cell line CG5 is reported. Although ineffective when used alone, both analogs inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion the growth stimulatory effect of estradiol. LH-RH analogs did not influence the growth inhibitory effect of tamoxifen and medroxyprogesterone acetate. Likewise, these compounds neither modified basal estrogen and progesterone receptor levels nor prevented estrogen-induced increase of progesterone receptor. A marked antiproliferative effect of the analogs was also seen in cells stimulated with other mitogens, such as insulin and epidermal growth factor.

Growth inhibitory effect of diheptyl diselenide on various human cancer cell lines.

We tested the antiproliferative effects of Diheptyl Diselenide (DHDSe) on several different human cancer cell lines. Cells derived from human cancer (CG5), colon cancer (WIDR), laryngeal cancer (Hep-2), ovarian cancer (OV 166, OV 1225) and IM-9 lymphoblastoid cells were used. In all cell lines DHDSe inhibited cell growth in a dose dependent manner. At the highest concentration tested, an inhibition of cell proliferation ranging from 48% to 75% compared with control cells was observed. Our results show that DHDSe exerts a direct antiproliferative effect on human cancer cells in vitro and suggest that it may represent the parent compound of a new group of anticancer agents.