Antineoplastic effect of the xanthine derivative Trental

The xanthine derivative, Trental (pentoxifylline) was found to inhibit several human leukemic and lymphoma cell lines in tissue cultures. Optimal concentrations were less inhibitory for a normal B-lymphocyte cell line then for the neoplastic cell lines. In fact, small concentrations stimulated DNA synthesis in the normal cell line. Trental and beta-interferon appeared to be additive synergists at certain dosages. Possible mechanisms are discussed.