Method for increasing tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy
OwnerDavid Rubininventor
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Abstract
Drug-resistant tumor cells are rendered drug-sensitive by administering to the tumor cells a pump-affecting compound which suppresses the pumping action of P-glycoprotein on the tumor cells. In the case where the tumor cells have higher .beta.-glucuronidase activity than that of the surrounding tissues, the pump-affecting compound is in the form of a .beta.-D-glucuronide.
Claims14
A method of rendering drug-resistant tumor cells drug-sensitive, comprising selectively administering only to said tumor cells a sufficient amount of a pump-affecting compound to suppress the pumping action of P-glycoprotein on said tumor cells, said amount being less than that amount necessary for such pump-affecting compound itself to kill said tumor cells.
A method for the treatment of patients having tumors with .beta.-glucuronidase activity, comprising administering to such patients a .beta.-D-glucuronic acid conjugate of a compound having pump-affecting properties, in an amount sufficient to suppress the pumping of P-glycoprotein on said tumor cells, said amount being less than that amount necessary for said conjugate itself to kill said tumor cells, and, while the tumors are being contacted by said compound, administering an effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent other than a .beta.-D-glucuronic acid conjugate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.