plevitrexed

Meaning of plevitrexed: Plevitrexed is an investigational drug studied for its ability to block a cellular enzyme that dividing cancer cells need to copy DNA.

Definition of plevitrexed

Plevitrexed is an investigational drug belonging to the antifolate class, compounds that interfere with pathways ordinarily supported by folate, a vitamin cells need to build DNA. Plevitrexed specifically targets thymidylate synthase, an enzyme cells use to produce one of the building blocks required for DNA synthesis.

Plevitrexed is taken up by cells through a transport system normally used to bring folate related compounds inside, and once inside the cell, it binds to thymidylate synthase and blocks its activity. Because rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, depend heavily on this pathway to support ongoing DNA production, blocking the enzyme can slow their growth and can trigger some of these cells to undergo programmed cell death.

Plevitrexed has been evaluated in early phase clinical studies involving several solid tumor types, and it does not currently have an established, approved role in routine cancer treatment.