Use of suramin in treatment of prostatic carcinoma refractory to conventional hormonal manipulation

Suramin is a polysulfated aromatic compound with many structural and functional properties similar to those of heparin and heparan sulfate. In particular, this drug is capable of binding to and interfering with the function of a variety of growth factors and enzyme systems critical to tumor cell proliferation. This observation, together with the drug's documented growth inhibitory effect on prostate cells in vitro and its adrenocorticolytic properties in vivo, provides the rationale for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of suramin in patients with prostate cancer refractory to conventional hormonal therapy. Thus far, objective tumor regression and declines in the level of prostate-specific antigen have been seen in some patients. Efforts are being made to improve and intensify drug dosing so as to define better its role in the management of metastatic prostate cancer.