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Hydroxyurea as a modulator of multidrug resistance in resistant solid tumor
V Leonardi1, M Meli, S Palmeri
1UNIV PALERMO,INST CLIN MED,I-90127 PALERMO,ITALY. UNIV PALERMO,MED ONCOL SERV,I-90127 PALERMO,ITALY.
Hydroxyurea (HU) showed limited efficacy in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in advanced cancer patients. Further research with varied dosages and patient numbers is necessary to explore HU
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant challenge in advanced cancer treatment.
- Hydroxyurea (HU) has been investigated as a modulator of MDR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyurea (HU) in combination with chemotherapy in pre-treated, resistant advanced cancer patients.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of this treatment regimen.
Main Methods:
- 11 patients with advanced cancers (soft tissue sarcoma, breast, lung, gastric) received hydroxyurea (HU) 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.
- HU was administered in association with doxorubicin (DXR) alone or combined with vindesine (VDS) or etoposide (VP16).
Main Results:
- Disease stabilization (NC) was observed in 62.5% of patients, lasting a mean of 6 months.
- Mean survival was 12.2+ months for stable disease and 6 months for progressive disease (PD).
- Most common side effects were hematological and gastrointestinal toxicity; no severe adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyurea (HU) at the tested dosage demonstrated limited activity in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in this patient cohort.
- Further clinical studies with adjusted dosages and larger patient populations are warranted to clarify HU's role in MDR modulation.
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