title: Motexafin gadolinium: a clinical review of a novel radioenhancer for brain tumors.
abstract: Despite recent advances in both technology and molecular targeting, little progress has been made in the management of most malignancies of the brain, especially brain metastases. In an effort to increase the therapeutic ratio of external beam radiation treatments, radiosensitizers and enhancers have been investigated. Motexafin gadolinium is a new drug with radioenhancing properties and a unique mechanism of action that may increase the therapeutic index of whole brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases. The rationale for the use of this drug as well as its current and future role as a radiation enhancer in the management of brain tumors is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, L5/B16 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA. khuntia@humonc.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Khuntia
authors.forename: Minesh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D006801:Humans; D008665:Metalloporphyrins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008665:Metalloporphyrins; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; C437683:motexafin gadolinium