Update on tubulin-binding agents.
The clinical and commercial success of the taxanes and vinca alkaloids resulted in a drive to improve on current formulations and discover new compounds that target the microtubule. These strategies are all aimed at improving on (1) anti-tumour activity, (2) toxicity profile and (3) pharmacology. Drugs undergoing clinical development include the novel semi-synthetic taxane derivatives (DJ-927, XRP6258 and XRP9881), the epothilones, the dolastations, vinflunine and the combretastatin analogues. In several cases, some improvements in tumour response rates have been seen but randomised trials need to be completed before the role of specific novel tubulin-binding agents can be established.
Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK.
Gerhardt
G
Attard
Alastair
A
Greystoke
Stan
S
Kaye
Johann
J
De Bono
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011485:Protein Binding; D014404:Tubulin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D050257:Tubulin Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014404:Tubulin; D050257:Tubulin Modulators