Method and compositions for treating malignant tumors and inhibiting growth and metastases of malignant tumors
US5639737A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61P35/04
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Growth or metastasization of malignant tumors can be inhibited by administering to a patient in need thereof sufficient lactose to block crucial lectins on the affected organ so that the tumor cells cannot anchor to other locations in the body. Lactose can be administered alone, or in combination with conjugates of cytotoxic drugs. Preferably, lactose is conjugated to a cytotoxic substance so that the primary tumor is treated concurrently with prevention of metastasis. Additionally, by conjugating a cytotoxic drug to lactose, the cytotoxic drug is maintained in close proximity to the tumor because of the receptors on the tumor which bind the lactose (and therefore the cytotoxic agent bound thereto) to the tumor cells. By using a conjugate of lactose with a cytotoxic agent, one dose is generally sufficient to destroy the receptor sites on the tumor and prevent metastasis of the tumor while treating the tumor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.