Human fibroblasts are able to inhibit growth of human melanoma cells

The influence of normal cells on the growth and fate of transformed cells has been described repeatedly. This report deals with results obtained when human melanoma cells of two different lines were seeded in very small quantities onto contact-inhibited cultures of seven different primary human fibroblasts (originating from abortion material, cheloid, dermal biopsies and foreskin). The expected proliferation of melanoma colonies was seen in five fibroblast cultures. However, proliferation of the melanoma cells was inhibited and cells were even eliminated by two different foreskin fibroblasts. This shows growth inhibition and elimination of malignant cells by normal cells of the homologous human system.