Source: PubMed.com

Alpha-tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS), an analogue of vitamin E, has previously been shown to inhibit peritoneal malignant mesothelioma in immuno-compromised mice via the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. A recent study testing the effect of systemic alpha-TOS treatment could not replicate the results of earlier findings in terms of effectiveness and general tolerability. In the mesothelioma model used, alpha-TOS was seen not only as ineffective at inhibiting established tumor development at the published doses, but it resulted in severe side effects characterized by behavioral changes, intra-peritoneal abnormalities and the destruction of T cells. The study estimates that the toxicity of alpha-TOS had not been previously reported due to a lack of studies conducted in fully immuno-competent hosts. The abstract of the study warns that the translation of animal studies to clinical treatment with alpha-TOS requires careful consideration.

Labels: mesothelioma