Role of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase in fluoropyrimidine sensitivity
2003

Role of Thymidine Phosphorylase in Cancer Drug Sensitivity

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): de Bruin M, van Capel T, Van der Born K, Kruyt F A, Fukushima M, Hoekman K, Pinedo H M, Peters G J

Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center

Hypothesis

To determine the extent to which thymidine phosphorylase (TP) plays a role in sensitivity to fluoropyrimidines.

Conclusion

Thymidine phosphorylase plays a minor role in the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil but has a more pronounced effect on the activation of 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine.

Supporting Evidence

  • Thymidine phosphorylase activity varied considerably among the cell lines.
  • Transfected cell lines showed significantly increased sensitivity to 5′DFUR.
  • Correlation between TP activity and drug sensitivity was observed.
  • Thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor significantly increased IC50's for 5FU.

Takeaway

This study looked at how a protein called thymidine phosphorylase helps cancer cells respond to certain cancer drugs. It found that while it helps with one drug, it doesn't do much for another.

Methodology

The study modulated TP activity in colon cancer cell lines by inhibiting TP with a specific inhibitor and overexpressing TP through stable transfection.

Limitations

The study was conducted in vitro, and results may not fully translate to in vivo conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600808

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication