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The use of blood flow modifiers to improve the treatment response of solid tumors

M R Horsman1, D J Chaplin, J Overgaard

  • 1Danish Cancer Society, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus.

Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Agents that modify tumor blood flow, like nicotinamide and hydralazine, can improve cancer treatment responses. These agents enhance the effectiveness of radiation, hyperthermia, and chemotherapy in preclinical tumor models.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiation Oncology

Background:

  • Solid tumors exhibit complex blood flow dynamics.
  • Altering tumor vascularity is a strategy to enhance treatment efficacy.
  • Agents targeting tumor blood flow are of significant research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review agents that modify tumor blood flow.
  • To exemplify the use of nicotinamide, hydralazine, and pyrazinamide.
  • To demonstrate improved tumor response to therapies using these agents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of agents affecting tumor blood flow.
  • Experimental use of nicotinamide, hydralazine, and pyrazinamide in murine tumor models.
  • Combination therapy with radiation, hyperthermia, and cyclophosphamide.

Main Results:

  • Nicotinamide, hydralazine, and pyrazinamide demonstrated potential in modifying tumor blood flow.
  • These agents enhanced the efficacy of radiation therapy in preclinical models.
  • Improved responses were observed when combining these agents with hyperthermia and cyclophosphamide.

Conclusions:

  • Agents that modify tumor blood flow can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
  • Nicotinamide, hydralazine, and pyrazinamide show promise for combination cancer therapy.
  • Further research into vascular-targeting agents is warranted for solid tumor treatment.

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