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Radiotherapeutic enhancement by razoxane
1Radiotherapy Department, Westminster Hospital, London, U.K.
Cancer Treatment Reviews
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Razoxane (Rz) inhibits cell division and normalizes tumor vasculature, enhancing radiation therapy. Clinical trials show benefits in specific cancers like soft tissue sarcomas, but not others.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Razoxane (Rz) is known to inhibit cell division during the G2/M phase.
- Rz also appears to normalize tumor neovasculature development.
- These properties suggest potential radiosensitizing and antimetastatic activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radiosensitizing and antimetastatic effects of Razoxane (Rz) in combination with radiotherapy.
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Rz and radiotherapy in various cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical studies in animals involving primary tumor implants treated with Rz and radiation.
- Clinical trials assessing the combination of radiotherapy and Rz in human cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Preclinical studies demonstrated a potentiation of antimetastatic activity when Rz-treated tumors were irradiated.
- Clinical trials showed significant benefits in response rates and local control for soft tissue sarcomas, recurrent rectal, and bladder carcinomas.
- Enhanced activity was observed in hepatic metastases from gastrointestinal tumors.
- No benefit was observed in carcinomas of the cervix, bronchus, and head and neck when compared to radiotherapy alone.
Conclusions:
- Razoxane (Rz) in combination with radiotherapy shows promising results for specific cancers, particularly soft tissue sarcomas and certain carcinomas.
- The antimetastatic potential observed preclinically warrants further investigation.
- The combination is not beneficial for all cancer types, indicating a need for selective application.