Lonidamine

Lonidamine

Lonidamine is a derivative of indazole-3-carboxylic acid and is known for its potential use in oncology as an antineoplastic agent. It has been studied for its ability to inhibit glycolysis in cancer cells, thereby reducing their energy production and inducing apoptosis.

Mechanism of Action

Lonidamine primarily targets the mitochondria of cancer cells, disrupting their aerobic glycolysis process. By inhibiting the enzyme hexokinase, which is crucial for the first step of glycolysis, lonidamine effectively reduces the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cancer cells. This energy depletion leads to cell death, particularly in cells that rely heavily on glycolysis for energy, such as tumor cells.

Clinical Applications

Lonidamine has been investigated in various clinical trials for its efficacy in treating different types of cancer, including breast cancer, glioblastoma, and melanoma. It is often studied in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance its therapeutic effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lonidamine include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. More severe side effects can include myopathy and hepatotoxicity. Patients undergoing treatment with lonidamine are closely monitored for these adverse effects.

Research and Development

Ongoing research is focused on improving the delivery and efficacy of lonidamine. Studies are exploring the use of nanoparticles and other delivery systems to target cancer cells more effectively while minimizing side effects.

Related Pages

• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Glycolysis
• Mitochondria
• Apoptosis
• Hexokinase
• Clinical trials