Effect of contrast material on transitional cell carcinoma viability

Objectives. To assess the effects of contrast material on the viability of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cells and the ability of such cells to attach to a recipient bed, because seeding of TCC into the upper urinary tract is a possibility during retrograde pyelography or percutaneous procedures.Methods. Primary cultures of TCC cells were established and placed in either quarter, half, or full-strength contrast for 10 minutes or one-quarter strength contrast for 10, 30, and 60 minutes. Cells were then removed from the contrast agent, resuspended in urothelium-specific media, and incubated for 5 days, after which the cells were counted.Results. A pronounced decrease in cell viability was observed with increasing exposure time and contrast material concentration. Cells incubated for 10, 30, and 60 minutes with contrast yielded an average of 79%, 60%, and 12% of the control group growth, respectively (P <0.001). Likewise, plates incubated with quarter, half, and full-strength contrast yielded 79%, 27%, and 10% of the control group growth, respectively (P <0.001). The difference in the response of low-grade superficial and high-grade invasive bladder tumors was not statistically significant.Conclusions. TCC cells that have been exposed to dilute contrast material for a short period are able to attach and grow on an adequate recipient bed. However, increasing the contrast concentration and/or the exposure time appears to decrease the viability and adherence of the TCC cells. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.