Potential Anti-cancer Activity
Nelfinavir were under investigation, in 2009, for potential use as an anti-cancer agent. When applied to cancer cells in culture (in vitro), it can inhibit the growth of a variety cancer types and can trigger cell death (apoptosis). When Nelfinavir was given to laboratory mice with tumors of the prostate or of the brain, it could suppress tumor growth in these animals. In vitro tests showed it may work well with sorafenib
In the United States, several clinical trials were conducted in 2008 that sought to verify whether nelfinavir is effective as a cancer therapeutic agent in humans. In some of these trials, nelfinavir was used alone in monotherapy fashion, whereas in others it was combined with other modes of cancer therapy, such as well-established chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy.
Good phase I results were obtained for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
In the UK, in 2010, a phase I trial (of nelfinavir with radiotherapy), on patients with inoperable cancer, showed a doubling of survival times, and six patients had tumor regression to the extent that they became operable.
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