The pilot study on realgar for glioma

Objective: To investigate the potential effects of realgar on the glioma cells both in vitro and in vivo,and evaluate its role as a novel agent against human glioma.Methods: The 9 L glioma cells were cultured in suitable medium,cell proliferation inhibitory assay was employed to observe the reaction of these cells,including the morphological changes and cytotoxicity by realgar suspension at a certain concentration;local injection or oral administration or both of them were applied on the established subcutaneous 9 L glioma animal models and the corresponding reaction was observed.Results: Realgar showed strong inhibitory effects on the 9 L glioma cells in vitro.According to the trypan blue coloration and cell counting,the suppression ratio of the cells on 4 h,12 h and 24 h was 40%,78% and 99% respectively;in the animal model experiment,strong anti-tumor effects were also observed.In the local injection group,about 75% of the tumours disappeared in less than 3 weeks after injection,and about 8.3% of the tumours relapsed in 3 months.Conclusion: Realgar has strong anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo,and it is a potential anti-glioma agent.