Redox-directed cancer therapeutics: Taurolidine and Piperlongumine as broadly effective antineoplastic agents


Loading...

Date

2014-10

Publication Type

Review Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

Targeting the oxygen stress response pathway is considered a promising strategy to exert antineoplastic activity in a broad spectrum of tumor types. Supporting this view, we summarize the mechanism of action of Taurolidine and Piperlongumine, two antineoplastic agents with strikingly broad tumor selectivity. Taurolidine enhances the oxidative stress (ROS) selectively in tumor cells. Its cytotoxicity for various tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, which includes tumor stem cells, is based on the induction of programmed cell death, largely via apoptosis but also necroptosis and autophagy. The redox-directed mechanism of action of Taurolidine is apparent from the finding that reducing agents e.g., N-acetylcysteine or glutathione impair its cytotoxicity, while its effectiveness is enhanced by agents which inhibit the cellular anti‑oxidant capacity. A similar redox-directed antineoplastic action is shown by Piperlongumine, a recently described experimental drug of plant origin. Taurolidine is particularly advantageous in surgical oncology as this taurine-derivative can be applied perioperatively or systemically with good tolerability as shown in initial clinical applications.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

45 (4)

Pages / Article No.

1329 - 1336

Publisher

Spandidos Publications

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Antineoplastic agent; Reactive oxygen species; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Necroptosis

Organisational unit

Notes

Funding

Related publications and datasets