Michelle,
I do not know much about the drug, there is very little information on the net. Most of the info. deals with the chemistry or synthesis of the Halichondrin and not the mechanics of how or why it works. I only know it is antitublin and that interferes with the growth of the tumor cells. I include below, a bit of research material I found on the net. Unfortunately I am not educated enough to know exactly what it all means. I have determined that although Halichondrin was discovered in the early 90’s the synthesis was not complete until much later.
http://dtpws4.ncifcrf.gov/DOCS/compare/nov...nds/newtub.html
“Discovery of Novel Anti-Tubulin Agents…. In this initial work, we noted two potently cytotoxic marine natural products that appeared repeatedly. These were the complex macrolide polyethers halichondrin B and homohalichondrin B (75, 76). These natural products were specifically examined for interactions with tubulin and for antimitotic activity, and such properties were confirmed (6). This work demonstrated that the halichondrin B noncompetitively inhibited the binding of vinblastine to tubulin, and thus these agents may bind at a unique site on the protein.”
Hopefully, someone can help make sense of all this. I will try to keep everyone posted as to Cyndi’s progress if and when she begins treatment.
God Bless,
ron