Potential of DMXAA combination therapy for solid tumors

Abstract

DMXAA is one of the first examples of a new class of anticancer agents that attack existing tumor blood vessels and thus deprives tumor tissue of an adequate blood supply. Its mechanism of action appears to rely on the induction within tumor tissue of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor. In experimental tumors, DMXAA interacts productively with radiation, hyperthermia and a number of chemotherapeutic drugs. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying such interactions and how these might be exploited in clinical cancer treatment.

• antivascular
• cytotoxic
• DMXAA
• gene therapy
• immunomodulation
• radiation
• tumor necrosis factor