Anti-tumor and radiosensitization activities of the iron chelator HDp44mT are mediated by effects on intracellular redox status

A novel iron chelator HDp44mT has been reported to have potent anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells however the underlying mechanism of action is not well understood In this study we characterized the cytotoxic effect of HDp44mT in a chemo- and radio-resistant cell line (PC-3) of prostanc cancer origin The activity of HDp44mT at nM concentrations was dependent on the intracellular GSH and atmospheric O-2 concentration rather than Iron deprivation HDp44mT also radiosensitized PC-3 cells in a GSH-dependent manner Interestingly this radiosensitizing effect was observed under aerobic and to a larger extent hypoxic conditions suggesting its potential utility as a radiosensitizer for some radioresistant tumors (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved