Comparative Study of Cytotoxicity and Accumulation of Boron and Lithium-Containing Drugs in Skin Melanoma Cells In Vitro

We studied cytotoxicity and accumulation of boron and lithium by cultured human fibroblasts and human and mouse skin melanoma cell cultures. The cytotoxicity of boron and lithium drugs was assessed by MTT tests in the boron and lithium concentration range of 10-640 μg/ml. Cell viability was significantly reduced after incubation with boron and lithium at concentrations >160 μg/ml. To assess accumulation of boron and lithium, the concentration of elements was measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Melanoma cells more intensively accumulated lithium in comparison with boron. The results indicate the possibility of safe application of lithium salts in concentrations minimally required for successful neutron capture therapy.