NeuroPharmacology: As Applied to Designing New Chemotherapeutic Agents

Abstract

Neurooncology anticancer drugs are no exception-their distribution and tissue interactions follow the general rules of classical pharmacology. In an attempt to assist with the new therapeutic approaches to manage cancers involving the central nervous system, classical chemobiodynamic compartment and pharmacokinetic models are discussed and illustrated. In addition, strategies and approaches for penetrating the blood brain barrier (BBB) are reviewed and modeled. Finally, in support of classical pharmacology, a new anticancer agent in clinical trial for brain tumors is reviewed as an example of clinical onco-neuropharmacology.

Principles of Neuropharmacodynamics: As Applied to Neuro-Oncology

“…Thus, ALL cells can slide into the CNS and Describes breaks in the BBB and neoangiogenesis that can be initiated by both metastatic and primary cancers in the CNS, allowing RBCs with drugs to cross the BBB and penetrate the CNS and tumor masses (modified from Ref. [5]).…”

“…Depicts three modes of drug transport to primary and secondary brain cancer tumors-direct passive permeability, active transport/transfer, and transport in association with RBCs (modified from Ref. [5]).…”