JLE

Bulletin du Cancer

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Desmopressin and other synthetic vasopressin analogues in cancer treatment Volume 93, numéro 2, Février 2006

Auteurs
Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Science and Technology Quilmes National University, R. Saenz Peña 180, Bernal (1876), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a well tolerated and convenient haemostatic agent that can be used in a number of clinical conditions with bleeding diathesis. It has several effects on the haemostatic system, causing endogenous release of coagulation factor VIII, von Willebrand factor and tissue-type plasminogen activator, among others. In this review we present a growing body of evidence showing that DDAVP treatment may impair spread of cancer cells and contribute to encapsulation of tumour tissue. Our data in preclinical animal models suggest a potential application of DDAVP in the perioperative management of aggressive solid tumours. Novel vasopressin analogues with improved antitumor effects are currently in development.