Specific, Reversible Cytostatic Protection of Normal Cells Against Chemotherapeutics in Breast Cancer Therapy

摘要

The adverse effects of cancer chemotherapy are widely recognized. Hair loss, gastrointestinal discomfort, lethargy and anorexia are quite common. The cause for these events is the nonspecific nature of current cancer treatment agents. Cytotoxic drugs, while effective at killing proliferating tumor cells, also target normal dividing cells. It is the purpose of this study to develop a proven in vitro strategy to protect normal dividing tissues using a cytostatic agent, UCN-01. There reversible arrest of normally dividing tissues in mice will be examined for improved tolerance of chemotherapeutics. This protective effect will also be evaluated in mice bearing orthotopically implanted breast tumors.