Evofosfamide, a new horizon in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract

Evofosfamide, also formerly known as TH-302, is an investigational hypoxia-activated prodrug and is used to target cancerous cells under hypoxic conditions, which is a feature possessed by multiple solid tumors including pancreatic tumors. Gemcitabine, a cytotoxic agent, has for many years been the standard first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer in patients. In recent years, combination chemotherapeutic therapies have provided a new avenue for molecular targeting by increasing the probability of eliminating the cancer and minimizing the likelihood of resistance. We have evaluated multiple studies in an effort to shed light on an emerging prodrug, evofosfamide, which operates by selectively targeting the tumor hypoxic compartment. A web-based literature search was performed through PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords 'evofosfamide', 'TH-302,' and 'pancreatic tumor.' Of the available results, 53 relevant studies were reviewed and summarized. Chemotherapeutic agents such as evofosfamide, which targets tumor hypoxia, are new agents against cancer cells. Current experience with these agents is limited as additional and longer prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the clinical efficacy and postmarketing safety profile.

• Authors: Mohsen Pourmorteza, Zia U Rahman, Mark Young
• Journal: Anti-cancer drugs (Anticancer Drugs) Vol. 27 Issue 8 Pg. 723-5 (09 2016) ISSN: 1473-5741 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27232101 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Nitroimidazoles
• Phosphoramide Mustards
• Prodrugs
• TH 302

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Nitroimidazoles (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Phosphoramide Mustards (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Prodrugs (pharmacology)
• Tumor Hypoxia