Everything Old Is New Again: Using Nelfinavir to Radiosensitize Rectal Cancer

Clin Cancer Res. 2016 Apr 15;22(8):1834-6. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-0024. Epub 2016 Feb 26.

Abstract

Repurposing agents approved for other indications to radiosensitize tumors may be advantageous. The study by Hill and colleagues utilizes nelfinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor (PI), in combination with radiotherapy in rectal cancer in a prospective study. This combination may improve tumor perfusion and regression compared with radiotherapy alone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nelfinavir / therapeutic use*
  • Radiation Dose Hypofractionation
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Rectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Nelfinavir