THE ROLE OF NITRIC-OXIDE CHEMISTRY IN CANCER-TREATMENT

Over the last decade the role of nitric oxide (NO) in various disease states has become apparent. In cancer, NO plays a variety of roles whi ch are at times contradictory. On one hand, NO is involved in differen t etiological mechanisms as well as promoting tumor growth. Yet, NO de rived from leukocytes plays a seminal role in their tumoricidal activi ty. In cancer treatment, NO also has diverse effects. Whereas in vitro , NO can enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of some chemotherapeutic agent s as well as radiation, NO donors can provide whole body protection ag ainst these same agents. This manuscript will discuss some mechanisms involved with NO and cancer treatment modalities and the potential app lication of these findings to cancer therapy.