AACR: Smaller, More Frequent Doses Of Chemotherapy May Attack Tumor Blood Supply Radiation oncologists at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are rethinking how to give chemotherapy, taking advantage of its unique properties. They are giving chemotherapy more frequently than usual and in tinier doses, targeting the process by which a new blood supply is created feeding tumor growth, called angiogenesis. Traditionally, most cancer therapies are used in highest possible doses, says Adam Dicker, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiation oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and at Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center. But anti-angiogenesis drugs have caused people to rethink chemotherapy. "Instead of targeting the tumor, perhaps you can target the tumor-associated blood supply," he says. Dr. Dicker and his Jefferson co-workers studied the chemotherapy drug docitaxel (Taxotere) in the laboratory in lower-than-usual doses, about one-tenth the clinical dose. They wanted to see the effects of radiation and the drug, which makes cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation, on endothelial cells, which are involved in angiogenesis. They found the lower doses of drug affect different parameters of angiogenesis and can increase the effects with radiation. "This is a unique approach in combination therapy, targeting the vasculature," Dr. Dicker said. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.