Time required for effective action of phenol against giant cell tumour cells

Purpose. To evaluate the time required for effective action of phenol against the giant cell tumour (GCT) cells. Methods. Fresh GCT cells were harvested from 9 patients with primary GCT of the distal femur (n=4), proximal tibia (n=4), and proximal humerus (n=1), with the Campanacci tumour grades 3 (n=6), 2 (n=2), and 1 (n=1). Specimens were immersed in 80 % phenol for one, 3, 6, and 10 minutes, and were assessed by a single pathologist for irreversible cell death and the depth of phenol penetration. Results. Phenol caused consistent GCT cell death in 6 of the 9 specimens after 3 minutes and in all 9 specimens after 6 minutes, compared to none in controls (pConclusion. GCT cells immersed in 80% phenol for 6 minutes resulted in consistent cell death.