Composition comprising taurolidine and/or taurultam for the treatment of cancer

摘要

Use of a methylol-containing compound (A) in the manufacture of a medicament for inducing apoptotic death of a neoplastic cell in a mammal, is new. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a pharmaceutical composition comprising (A) together with a second anti-neoplastic agent or Fas-ligand, optionally containing a carrier, a diluent or an excipient; (2) a pharmaceutical composition comprising (A) together with at least one supplemental agent selected from anti-convulsant, anti-edema agent, antibacterial agent and an electrolyte solution, optionally containing a carrier, a diluent or an excipient; and (3) a pack containing compositions (1) or (2) for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in inducing apoptotic death of a neoplastic cell in a mammal. ACTIVITY : Cytostatic. U373 human glioma/glioblastoma tumor cells were cultured in Falcon flasks. Shrinkage of cytoplasm, condensation and marginalization of chromatin was observed. These changes were apparent at 30 minutes of incubation with 0.1 Microg/ml taurin and increased strikingly over time and with concentration of taurolidine. Concentration-dependent fragmentation of DNA started at 60 minutes and after 24 hours, fragmentation of the DNA was nearly complete. The results suggested an apoptotic mechanism of tumor cell death. Normal brain cells were not affected by incubation with taurolidine or taurultam in concentrations of up to 4 Microg/ml for up to 5 days. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Cancer cell growth inhibitor.