chemosensitizer

A chemosensitizer is a substance that enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. It works by altering the tumor environment to make cancer cells more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. This can increase the drug's potency, reduce the dosage required, or minimize side effects. Chemosensitizers can target various aspects of the tumor microenvironment, such as blood vessels, immune cells, or the extracellular matrix.

One common type of chemosensitizer is an angiogenesis inhibitor. These drugs interfere with the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, which can starve cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. Another category is immune modulators, which can enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells. Examples of chemosensitizers include bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent that can sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy.

The use of chemosensitizers in cancer treatment is an active area of research. Combining chemosensitizers with conventional chemotherapy drugs can potentially improve treatment outcomes and reduce the overall toxicity of cancer therapies. However, the effectiveness of chemosensitizers can vary depending on the type of cancer and the specific characteristics of the tumor. As such, their use is typically determined on a case-by-case basis by healthcare professionals.