Perifosine

Perifosine is a type of alkylphospholipid that is currently being studied for its potential use in cancer treatment. It was originally developed by the Keryx Biopharmaceuticals company and is classified as an experimental drug.

Mechanism of Action

Perifosine works by inhibiting the Akt pathway, a signal transduction pathway that promotes cell survival and growth in response to extracellular signals. This inhibition leads to the induction of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells.

Clinical Trials

Perifosine has been tested in several clinical trials for various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, and neuroblastoma. However, the results have been mixed. In some trials, perifosine showed promise as a potential treatment, while in others, it did not demonstrate significant benefits over existing treatments.

Side Effects

Like many cancer drugs, perifosine can cause a range of side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Future Research

Despite the mixed results of clinical trials, research into perifosine continues. Scientists are exploring its potential use in combination with other drugs, as well as its effectiveness in treating other types of cancer.

See Also

• Akt pathway
• Clinical trial
• Cancer treatment