We have developed an assay, the microfocus assay system (MFAS), that enables the quantitative assessment of anticancer drugs and their ability to specifically target and inhibit cellular oncogenes. Analysis of three chemotherapeutic reagents showed a differential negative effect against the ability of transformed cells containing either the oncogenic rat neu, human H-ras, or v-mos oncogene to form transformed foci on a background of normal fibroblasts. Though these drugs have not been examined previously for targeting against specific oncogenes, our results with the MFAS indicate preferential inhibitory effects against cells transformed with different oncogenes. Therefore, the MFAS should enable the large scale screening of anti-cancer drugs specifically targeted against known oncogenes and provide a quantitative measurement of their effectiveness.

Related Articles