Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology,
Medical University School, Lubin, Poland.
The need to find a safe and highly effective
cure for neoplastic disease remains a major
challenge for modern pharmacology. This
paper reviews the available literature on
Ukrain (NSC631570), a novel semisynthetic
drug obtained from Chelidonium majus L.
alkaloids. Ukrain has been demonstrated
to possess antineoplastic and immunomodulatory
properties. Inhibition of the growth of
cancer cells lines in vitro, tumor mass
reductions in vivo, and partial and complete
remissions in oncological patients, occur
as a result of Ukrain application. The drug
may interfere directly with the matabolism
of cancer cells and it also improves the
functioning of the host immune system. Diminished
synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins, the
inhibition of cellular oxygen consumption,
and the induction of programmed cell death
in malignant cells have been described following
Ukrain administration. The drug can also
modify the immunological response via an
increase in the number of total T-cells
and a normalization of the T-helper/T-suppressor
lymphocyte ratio. Ukrain therapy produces
neither toxic consequences nor allergic
reactions towards the drug. Several case
reports and clinical trial data indicate
that Ukrain may ameliorate effectively the
progress of neoplastic disease and/or induce
a total cure.
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