Oltipraz

Oltipraz (5-[2-pyrazinyl]-4-methyl-1,2-3-thione) is currently undergoing phase I trials in the United States. Originally developed as an antischistosomal (parasite killing) agent, it was found to protect against chemically induced carcinogens in the lung, stomach, colon, and urinary bladder in animals. Oltipraz inhibits carcinogenesis induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and N-nitrosamines — agents that constitute some of the carcinogenic components of tobacco. Since bladder cancer is more than twice as common in smokers as in nonsmokers, oltipraz may be useful in preventing the development of cancer in smokers. Oltipraz is unique in its dual capacity as an antischistosomal and anticarcinogenic agent. Its chemopreventive abilities can be effective in patients with histories of Schistosoma haematobium (parasitic blood fluke) bladder infections, who are at increased risk for developing bladder cancer. This is more common in tropical than in temperate climates.1

Reference

1. Chemoprevention of Bladder and Prostate Carcinoma
 Jean V. Joseph, MD, Edward M. Messing, MD, Department of Urology, University of
Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/pubs/ccj/v4n2/article4.html
Also at:  www.medscape.com
CREDIT AND/OR COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Reproduced by Permission from Cancer Control: Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/pubs/ccj/