Abstract
As a result of bioassay–guided fractionation, betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, was identified as a melanoma–specific cytotoxic agent. In follow–up studies conducted with athymic mice carrying human melanomas, tumour growth was completely inhibited without toxicity. As judged by a variety of cellular responses, antitumour activity was mediated by the induction of apoptosis. Betulinic acid is inexpensive and available in abundant supply from common natural sources, notably the bark of white birch trees. The compound is currently undergoing preciinicai development for the treatment or prevention of malignant melanoma.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1046-1051 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nature Medicine |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1995 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)