Mechanism based chemotherapy for prostate cancer.
Estramustine offers a mechanistically novel therapy for the treatment of prostatic cancer. The drug is composed of oestradiol coupled to nor-nitrogen mustard. The cytotoxic properties of estramustine act independently of its constituent molecules. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that the drug binds microtubule associated proteins and inhibits microtubule regulated processes. We have lately shown that micromolar levels of estramustine inhibit selected processes in mitosis, suggesting that certain classes of microtubules and/or MAPs are differentially sensitive to the drug. New clinical trials using estramustine and vinblastine on patients with advanced hormone refractory disease suggest that the combination of two antimicrotubule agents acting by means of different target molecules may be important clinically.
Sheridan
V R
VR
Department of Pharmacology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111.
Tew
K D
KD
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004961:Estramustine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051381:Rats
D004961:Estramustine