Effects of L-DOPA Pretreatment on the Kinetics, Migration and Carbon Ion Radiation Response of T98G Cells.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Glioblastoma is the most malignant and widespread brain tumor in adults, with a rapid clinical course. Recently, it has been hypothesized that L-DOPA plays a role in the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pretreatment with L-DOPA on the biological behavior of human T98G cells in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T98G cells were treated with 50 µg/ml or 100 µg/ml of L-DOPA for 4 h and their morphology, growth rate, clonogenic survival and migratory capacity in basal conditions and after carbon ion irradiation were evaluated using standard methods. RESULTS: Treated cells showed a lower growth rate and an increased migratory capacity that correlated with the dose of tested L-DOPA. Treatment with L-DOPA increased the growth rate of carbon ion irradiated T98G cells compared to control non-treated cells exposed to the same radiation dose. CONCLUSION: Our results open further questions about the overall advantage of L-DOPA treatment of glioblastoma.