R. Goel, S. Howell
1991
Citations
0
Influential Citations
10
Citations
Journal
Cancer treatment and research
Abstract
Dipyridamole (2,6,-bis - diethanolamino-4,8-dipiperidinopyrimido-5,4-d-pyrimidine) is a pyrimidopyrimidine derivative (illustrated in figure 1) that is commonly prescribed as a coronory vasodilator for the long-term therapy of angina pectoris, as an antiplatelet drug in various thrombotic disorders, such as coronory and cerebrovascular disease [1,2]. However, only its therapeutic use in combination with coumarin anticoagulants to reduce the risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement is approved by the Food and Drug Administration [3]. Dipyridamole can modulate the activity of a number of chemotherapeutic agents and may have the ability to enhance their therapeutic index. We review here the cellular and biochemical mechanisms by which dipyridamole alters cancer cell sensitivity and point out potential clinical applications.