Sensitivity of Vi phages III to γ-radiation in the presence of cisplatin

as a radiosensitizer, especially active towards cells in hypoxia (Douple & Richmond, 1978). Subsequent laboratory tests using tumor cell lines and clinical studies demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity of irradiation-modified cisplatin (Dewit, 1987; Coughlin & Richmond, 1989). In this context, the possibility of CDDP reactions with water radiolysis products (eaq, OH•) and emergence of a highly reactive form of this chemical compound is not considered to be fully proven (Dewit, 1987). The literature contains only a few reports concerning the sensitivity of bacteriophages to cisplatin (Shooter et al., 1972; Drobnik et al., 1975; Filipski et al., 1980; Tanaka et al., 1998). So far, no experimental models using bacteriophages to determine the combined effect of CDDP and ionizing radiation, have been applied. Taking into consideration the cited observations, our study was carried out with the following aims: (i) to determine Vi bacteriophage III sensitivity to CDDP and (60Co) radiation, (ii) to determine Vi bacteriophage III sensitivity to irradiated cisplatin, (iii) to check the possibility of enhanced Vi bacteriophage III inactivation under combined exposure to cisplatin and γ radiation. Communication