Review Article
Stabilizing versus Destabilizing the Microtubules: A Double-Edge Sword for an Effective Cancer Treatment Option?
Table 1
Microtubule-destabilizing agents.
| Chemical lead | Properties and effects | Clinical trial/status | References |
| Cryptophycins | Apoptosis induction. Synergistic with chemotherapy and radiation. | Phase II clinical trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and in NSCLC (C-52) but withdrawn due to peripheral neuropathy. | [26, 28, 31, 32, 36] |
| Combretastatin A-4-P | Antivascular and antiangiogenic activity. Synergistic with radiation, hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and immunoradiotherapy. | Phases II and III clinical trials in advanced solid tumors (lung and thyroid cancer) and in combination with carboplatin. | [63, 64, 66ā70, 72, 73] |
| Combretastatin A-1-P | Antivascular and antitumoral activity superior to CA-4-P. Synergistic with chemotherapy. | Phase I clinical trials in solid tumors and in acute myelogenous leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. | [78, 79] |
| Ombrabulin | Antivascular and antitumoral activity superior to CA-4-P. Synergistic with chemotherapy. | Phase I clinical trials as a single agent or in combination; phase III clinical trial in advanced soft-tissue sarcoma. | [86] |
| Soblidotin | Apoptosis induction. Antivascular activity. Antitumoral activity in tumors resistant to vincristine, docetaxel, and paclitaxel. | Phase II clinical trials in advanced solid tumors (soft-tissue sarcoma, NSCLC). | [99ā105] |
| D-24851 | Curative at nontoxic doses in rat tumor. No neurotoxic effects. Oral applicability. Activity versus MDR cell lines. | Phase I/II clinical trials in advanced solid tumors. | [140, 141] |
| Pseudolaric acid B | Antiangiogenic activity. No neurotoxic effects in tested animal. Activity versus MDR cell lines. | Preclinical phase. | [148, 149] |
| Embellistatin | Antiangiogenic activity. | Preclinical phase. | [150] |
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