Ukrain (NSC-631570) in experimental and clinical studies: A review

The need to find a safe and highly effective cure for neoplastic disease re mains a major challenge for modern pharmacology. This paper reviews the ava ilable literature on Ukrain (NSC631570) a novel semisynthetic drug obtained from Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids. Ukrain has been demonstrated to posse ss antineoplastic and immunomodulatory properties. inhibition of the growth of cancer cell lines in vitro, tumor mass reductions in vivo, and partial and complete remissions in oncological patients, occur as a result of Ukrai n application. The drug may interfere directly with the metabolism of cance r cells and it also improves the functioning of the host immune system. Dim inished synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins, the inhibition of cellular oxyg en consumption, and the induction of programmed cell death in malignant cel ls have been described following Ukrain administration. The drug can also m odify the immunological response via an increase in the number of total T-c ells and a normalization of the T-helper/T-suppressor lymphocyte ratio. Ukr ain therapy produces neither toxic consequences nor allergic reactions towa rds the drug. Several case reports and clinical trial data indicate that Uk rain may ameliorate effectively the progress of neoplastic disease and/or i nduce a total cure.