Vitamin B6 and cancer (review)

Vitamin B6 is required for normal growth and development, in general. The effect(s) of the vitamin on tumor growth, particularly of Morris hepatomas, and on metabolic function (i.e. enzyme activity) are herewith reviewed. Evidence is presented on the biochemical relationship(s) of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with thymidylate synthetase and its inactivation by fluorodeoxyuridylate as well as of the therapeutic effects of direct treatment in situ with the antivitamin complexing agent L-penicillamine.