Primary lung cancer cell culture from transthoracic needle biopsy samples

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. The high mortality rate of this pathology is directly related to its late detection, since its symptoms can be masked by other diseases of lower risk. Although in recent years the number of research related to this subject has increased, molecular mechanisms that trigger this disease remains poorly understood. Experimental models are therefore vital for use in research. Immortalized cell lines have inherent limitations. Explanted tumoral cells obtained by transthoracic needle biopsy can be a potential source of primary culture of human lung tumor cells. Tumor specimens from 14 patients suspected of primary or metastatic lung cancer were obtained by CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy. Solid tumors were mechanically disaggregated under a stereoscope. Cells were cultured in Base C growth media supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum in 24-well cell culture plates. Primary lung cancer cell culture was successfully cultured from 12 out of 14 patients. Once a confluent monolayer was obtained, cells were enzymatically harvested and passaged to Petri culture dishes. These primary cell cultures were characterized by cytogenetic tests and gene expression analysis of diagnostic markers. These primary cell cultures revealed chromosome rearrangements and changes in their chromosome complement typical of tumoral cells. Additionally, Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that three cultures exhibited EGFR amplification. Finally, expression profiles of CK7, NAPSIN A, TTF1, and P63 genes allowed in some cases to confirm sample tumor phenotype. These results demonstrate that primary lung cancer cell culture is possible from percutaneous puncture and provides an important biological source to asses and investigate the molecular mechanisms of lung cancer.