methotrexate + dipyridamole

Methotrexate + dipyridamole is an investigational combination treatment protocol developed by the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre for patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma that is recurrent or refractory to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Methotrexate, a folate analogue and antimetabolite, acts by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which is essential for the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, thereby halting DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Dipyridamole is co-administered as a chemopotentiator; it inhibits the membrane transport of nucleosides, preventing the tumor cells from using salvage pathways to bypass the methotrexate-induced block in de novo nucleotide synthesis. In this specific Phase II trial, the combination was administered via a 7-day continuous intraperitoneal infusion to achieve high local concentrations within the peritoneal cavity, the primary site of ovarian cancer spread.

Other names

intraperitoneal methotrexate and dipyridamolemethotrexate/dipyridamole combination