Wassil Nowicky
Nowicky Pharma, Austria
Title: Anti-cancer preparation NSC-631570 (UKRAIN) in the treatment of malignant melanoma and xeroderma pigmentosum
Biography
Biography: Wassil Nowicky
Abstract
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic disorder of DNA repair in which the ability to repair damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light is deficient. Multiple basal cell carcinomas (basaliomas) and other skin malignancies frequently occur at a young age in those with XP. In fact, metastatic malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common causes of death in XP victims. This is a very rare disease. The incidence differs regionally and is between 1:40000 (Japan) and 1:250000 (USA). About 250 XP patients live in the USA, about 50 in Germany, mostly children. The life expectance is low; usually they die in the first decade. If left unchecked, damage caused by UV light can cause mutations in individual cells DNA. XP patients are at a high risk (more than 2000 times over the general population) for developing skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, for this reason. A report on the successful using NSCâ€631570 in a XP patient suggests this drug can be very useful also in this hereditary disease. NSCâ€631570 bei Xeroderma pigmentosum: Patient S.S., an eight year old boy, was presented with an ulcering lesion of the nose. As he was 10 month old, xeroderma pigmentosum was diagnosed. Until the age of three years the number of skin lesions increased considerably. In May 2002 skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) at the nose was diagnosed, T4NXM0, histologically verified. From May till June 2002 three cycles of chemotherapy were administered (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and vinblastine). The therapy failed and the tumors grew up. Clinical investigation in April 2004 revealed deforming malignant melanoma of the nose with invasion into the cartilage of nasal septum, measuring 3x3 cm. On 20 May 2004 the therapy with Ukrain was started, 5 mg intravenously twice a week, up to a total dose of 85 mg. One month after the last administration of Ukrain a complete regression of the tumor was revealed. The skin defect was partially replaced with connective tissue. Xeroderma skin lesions improved throughout the body.