USE OF PROTEIN KINASE C ACTIVATORS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A MEDICAMENT FOR KILLING HYPOXIC TUMOR CELLS

摘要

Disclosed is a method of treating a solid tumor, where the tumor contains regions of hypoxic cells, either because of poor vascularization in the tumor or because of vasoconstrictive or vaso-occlusive measures brought to bear on the tumor. The method includes administering to a subject a compound effective to activate protein kinase C activity in the cells of the tumor, via a route effective to direct the compound to such regions of hypoxia in the tumor. Preferred compounds include phorbol esters, diacylglycerols, and thapsigargin. Also disclosed is a vaso-occlusive composition containing a protein kinase C activator, for use in the treatment method.