Researchers report that the FDA-approved drug papaverine inhibited mitochondrial function, independent of its previously known vasodilation activity, and reduced tumor oxygen consumption and hypoxia in mouse tumor models, thereby increasing tumor sensitivity to radiation therapy without enhancing the sensitivity of well-oxygenated normal tissue, suggesting that papaverine could be repurposed to enhance radiation therapy.
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Article #18-08945: "Papaverine and its derivatives radiosensitize solid tumors by inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism," by Martin Benej et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicholas C. Denko, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH; tel: 614-685-5843; e-mail: nicholas.denko@osumc.edu
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences