Sigmoid model versus median-effect analysis for obtaining dose-response curves for in vitro chemosensitivity testing

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine how the in vitro dose-response effects of chemotherapeutic agents should be analyzed and reported. METHODS: We arbitrarily evaluated the effects of mitomycin-C and 4-OH-cyclophosphamide on the human ovarian cancer cell line CAOV-3. Dose-response curves (DRCs) were calculated by non-linear (sigmoid model: SigmaPlot) and linear curve fitting (median-effect analysis: CalcuSyn). RESULTS: In theory and practice, the sigmoid model provided better curve fits and graphical presentation than the median-effect analysis. CONCLUSION: Thus, this model should preferably be used as a basis for selection of anti-cancer drugs for clinical use.