What is suramine?

Suramine is a medicine commonly used in the treatment of African sleeping diseases and onchocericiasis, also known as river blindness. It is a odorless, undoubtedly, a white powder that is dissolved in a physiological solution and administered intravenously. It is an effective remedy for a number of parasitic diseases and has been widely used for this purpose since the early 1920s. Recently, suramine has shown a certain promise in the treatment of certain cancers. While the dyes themselves did not have a high degree of success and the unfortunate side effect of permanent coloring of cattle meat, the results were promising enough to deserve further investigation. The synthetic form of the active compound in the dye was created by a team of former colleagues Ehrlich in 1916 and became the primary treatment for most of the 20th century for African sleeping disease and river blindness. Suramine is still popular with the treatment of these diseases in most of the world due to its low costs compared to newer synthetic drugs.

suramine treats the African sleeping disease and river blindness by inhibiting growth factors within the parasites that cause disease. By reducing the ability of worms and non -atods to produce insulin, plates and dermal cells, the drug disrupts the ability of parasites to replace old cells and produce energy. As their energy levels decrease, parasites face possible immobility and death.

Experimental studies conducted since the late 80s have shown a link between suramine treatment and inhibition of the growth of neoplastic tumors. Its potential value as anti -tumor agents is based on its ability to slow down the growth of non -functional tumors in metastuatic cancer, increasing the effectiveness of other cancer treatment. The study did not move after the clinical phase, mainly due to the uncertainty around the exact mechanism by which suramine inhibits the growth of the tumor and the discovery that the drug actually speeds up the growth of certain cancers.

treatment of suramine can lead to a number of potential side effects, bestMore often nausea, vomiting and itching rash. This can also be more seriously caused by kidney damage in some individuals and is generally not prescribed to those who have existing kidney problems. The drug is able to cause temporary or permanent deterioration of the adrenal cortex in rare cases. Overdose can lead to kidney damage and possible kidney failure. Serious side effects are relatively rare and in most cases the drug is considered safe.