Reversal of drug-resistance in multiple myeloma with verapamil.
In vitro testing with a new doxorubicin resistant myeloma cell line revealed the reversal of drug resistance with as little as 100 ng/ml of verapamil (a calcium channel blocker), a dose easily achievable in humans. A first patient with IgG kappa myeloma is presented in whom resistance to VAD (vincristine/doxorubicin infusion plus dexamethasone) chemotherapy was reversed with the administration of verapamil. A subsequent clinical study has been initiated. The potential for further evaluation of calcium channel blockers in multiple myeloma is discussed.
Durie
B G
BG
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724.
Dalton
W S
WS
D000328:Adult; D002460:Cell Line; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects*; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004317:Doxorubicin; D014700:Verapamil