Motexafin gadolinium: a novel radiosensitizer for brain tumors.
Despite advances in the field of oncology, progress for patients with brain metastases and most primary brain tumors has been slow. New efforts to enhance the therapeutic index of radiation therapy are under way, including the use of radiosensitizers. Motexafin gadolinium (Xcytrin) is one such novel agent with several unique properties that enhance the cytotoxic potential of radiation therapy, as well as several chemotherapeutic agents, and possibly has independent cytotoxicity in certain lymphoid malignancies. Motexafin gadolinium is very well tolerated with tumor specific uptake. 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.
Forouzannia
Afshin
A
Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Clinical Science Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA. forouzannia@humonc.wisc.edu
Richards
Gregory M
GM
Khuntia
Deepak
D
Mehta
Minesh P
MP
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D006801:Humans; D008665:Metalloporphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008665:Metalloporphyrins; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; C437683:motexafin gadolinium