Activity of heparins in experimental models of malignancy: Possible explanations for anticancer effects in humans.
Heparin and heparin-like compounds appear to possess anticancer properties apart from their anticoagulant activities. This paper reviews recent data on heparins in experimental models of tumor growth and metastasis and discusses various mechanisms by which heparins may inhibit cancer progression. The growing body of evidence supporting the antineoplastic activity of heparins provides the rationale for their widespread testing in cancer patients for the purpose of improving cancer-related survival. Their improved safety, convenience and ease of outpatient administration compared to unfractionated heparin, as well as the suggestion of superior anticancer activity, make the low molecular weight heparins the preferred agents to test in prospective cancer trials.
Ornstein
Deborah L
DL
59th MDW/MMIH, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX 78236, USA. deborah.ornstein@59mdw.whmc.af.mil
Zacharski
Leo R
LR
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018450:Disease Progression; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006493:Heparin