CYTOTOXIC AGENTS

摘要

A therapeutic system for destroying a target cell within a host having a vascular compartment, the system comprising: (a) a compound comprising a target cell-specific portion and a portion which will convert a selected substantially non-cytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance; and (b) said substantially non-cytotoxic substance, wherein at least the said portion of compound (a) capable of said conversion is, following administration to the host, internalised into said target cell. Preferably, the portion which converts said substantially non-cytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance requires a factor which is present in sufficient concentration within the target cell for the said portion to effect conversion of said substantially non-cytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance and which factor is not present in sufficient concentration within the blood of the vascular compartment for the said portion to effect said conversion.