Abstract

Background: Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a drug commonly used in the treatment of intermittent claudication. However, numerous research groups report that PTX also may potentially be used in the anticancer therapy following one of the main trends in the nowadays medicine – combined anticancer therapy.

Scope of Review: The review concentrates on the reports revealing the potential use of PTX in cancer treatment.

Major Conclusion: PTX is described to possess several properties which may be exploited in cancer treatment. The drug reportedly not only has anticancer activity itself, but also increases cancer cells susceptibility to radiation therapy and, additionally, reduces long-term side effects of this therapy. Furthermore, numerous research groups report that PTX may increase the anticancer potential of commonly used anticancer drugs such as cisplatin or doxorubicin as well as reduce side effects of these drugs.

Significance: PTX should be considered as a potential drug in the combined anticancer therapy.

Keywords: Radiosensitization, drug interactions, methylxanthines, anticancer drugs, chemotherapy, drug toxicity.

Graphical Abstract