The effects of sunitinib malate used in targeted therapy on the proliferation of HeLa cells in vitro

Purpose: In this study, the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of sunitinib (SU-11248, Sutent) which is used for targeted therapy was evaluated on HeLa cell line originated from human cervix carcinoma. Methods: Three different doses of sutent (D-1=1 mu M, D-2=5 mu M, D-3=10 mu M) were administered to cells for 72 h to determine the optimal dose. Results: Increase in apoptotic index (AI), decrease in mitotic index (MI) of cells and slow down in proliferation rate were achieved at the dose level of 10 mu M, especially at 72 h. All these findings were statistically significant (p<0.001). In addition, anaphase bridges and existence of tripolar metaphase cells that were observed at 72 h were possibly attributable to a chromosomal instability arising from shortening of telomere. Conclusion: In this study, sutent effected cell kinetic parameters significantly. These results are consistent with other studies in the literature. In addition, anaphase bridges which were seen in mitosis preparations were interpreted as shortening or degradation of the telomere.