Monomethyl auristatin F

Monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) is a synthetic antineoplastic agent. It is part of the auristatin family, which are microtubule-disrupting agents. MMAF is a potent inhibitor of cell division and growth in cancer cells.

Chemistry

Monomethyl auristatin F is a synthetic analog of the natural product dolastatin 10. It is a complex molecule with a molecular weight of 717.98 g/mol. The chemical formula of MMAF is C39H67N5O7.

Mechanism of Action

MMAF works by inhibiting cell division and cell growth. It binds to tubulin, a protein that forms the microtubules of a cell. This binding disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle, which is necessary for cell division. As a result, the cancer cells cannot divide and grow.

Clinical Use

MMAF is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and lymphoma. It is often used in combination with other anticancer drugs to enhance its effectiveness.

Side Effects

Like other anticancer drugs, MMAF can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include neutropenia, a condition characterized by low levels of white blood cells, and neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves.

Research

Research is ongoing to determine the full potential of MMAF in cancer treatment. Studies are being conducted to evaluate its effectiveness in treating other types of cancer and to determine the optimal dosing regimen.

See Also

• Antineoplastic agents
• Microtubule
• Cancer treatment