Matrixmetalloproteinase inhibitor therapy to prevent complications as well as therapy for Ehler–Danlos syndrome
Received 9 October 2001; accepted 20 December 2001.
Abstract
Matrixmetalloproteinase inhibitors have been developed as anti-cancer agents. Their usage in pancreatic cancer and other such malignancies is under trial at present. An interesting undesired-effect of one of these agents is contracture of the hand. Ehler–Danlos syndrome is an inherited group of diseases with varying types. At present there is no known treatment or prevention for the complications associated with this inherited condition. Sometimes it is the adverse events of a drug, which provides an insight into its efficacy for another indication. It is hereby being hypothesized that the matrixmetalloproteinase inhibitors especially marimastat may be an effective drug for treatment of Ehler–Danlos syndrome and/or prevention of its major complications.
Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
Correspondence to: Dr. P.S.R.K. Sastry MD, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Bone marrow transplant physician, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, 15, D.G. Deshmukh Marg (Pedder Road), Mumbai (Bombay), India. Fax: +91-22-4950508