Cancer research
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A novel antitumor antibiotic, 2a,3,4,5,6,6a,7,11b-octahydro-11-methoxy-12-methyl-3,6-imino-1H-2-oxa-11 c- azanaphth(1,2,3-cd)azulene-5-carboxylic acid monocitrate (quinocarmycin citrate; KW2152) was selected for investigation in a number of experimental tumor systems because of its efficacy against P388 leukemia. In the initial studies with P388 leukemia (i.p.-i.p.), KW2152 gave an increase in life span of greater than 80%. The activity was schedule dependent and daily administration was the most effective. ⋯ In P388 leukemia cells exposed for 1 h with KW2152, the 50% inhibitory concentration for RNA synthesis was 10(-5) M, 30-fold less than that for DNA synthesis. White blood cell depression or platelet depression was not significant after administration of the i.v. 10% lethal dose given daily for 7 days. Because of its good activity against human mammary tumor MX-1 and some effectiveness against other gastric and colon carcinomas and its water solubility, a novel antitumor antibiotic, KW2152, is being developed as a Phase I anticancer agent.
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An immunotoxin composed of an antibody to the human transferrin receptor (454A12) and ricin A chain (RTA) was shown to inhibit the growth of NIH:OVCAR-3 tumors in a nude mouse model of human ovarian cancer. Inhibition of tumor growth by 454A12-RTA was related to the dose administered. ⋯ The administration of 10 micrograms or greater of the immunotoxin 454A12-RTA/rRTA had significant antitumor activity. The injection of 30 micrograms of an irrelevant immunotoxin, MOPC21-RTA, or 30 to 500 micrograms of the 454A12 antibody had no antitumor activity.