Stanford University researchers have designed a novel method for the protection of normal cells during chemotherapy. This technique involves administering an extracellular Wnt inhibitor (e.g. small molecule, protein or antibody) prior to cell-cycle specific chemotherapies (e.g. irinotecan, topotecan, etoposide, and hydroxyurea). This approach should not affect the growth of tumor cells because the majority of Wnt pathway changes in cancer cells are intracellular. Therefore, this cytoprotective approach should not reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy. The inventors have identified at least two Wnt inhibitor molecules which could potentially be used for this treatment method. [ - ]

Stanford University researchers have designed a novel method for the protection of normal cells... [ + ]