An other antiangiogenesis drug (besides Aspirin in previous post by Tom):Orlistat

[heblaj01]

Orlistat (commercial name Xenical) is an antiobesity drug with few side effects.
It prevents absorption of dietary fats in the guts which may cause loose stools as side effect & would also prevent absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as B.E,K. (which may require compensating vitamin supplementation).

If Orlistat was to be administered far outside meal times (to reduce side effects)I wonder if it would still prevent proliferation of capillaries feeding tumors in humans based on the lab experimental results.

On the other hand for obese women who are thought to be at higher risk of cancer (especially ovarian cancer & perhaps breast cancer) Orlistat may one day provide a double whammy action against the disease.
http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/12/2027

Inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis by orlistat, a fatty acid synthase inhibitor

[Lani]

As I recall it was synergistic with Herceptin. unfortunately if I remember correctly, the concentrations required could not be met with oral orlistat, as it is not absorbed (hence its effect by carrying away fat with it down the GI tract without their being absorbed also). To work it would have to be provided parenterally (IV or IM) and its effects given in such a manner have not yet been worked out from what I understand


Roche markets both drugs--so it would be a natural for them to try to market the combo against her2neu + breast cancer.

Looks like a lot of work would be needed to determine the correct dose, administration, safety, etc as the work was done on cell lines (in vitro)

[heblaj01]

Thanks Lani for clarifying the lack of gut absorption of Orlistat, a fact I did not know