Chloroquine may improve mid-term survival when given in addition to conventional therapy for glioblastoma multiforme

Chloroquine is an antimalarial with intense effects on cell metabolism, two of them are particularly interesting: inhibition of phospholipase A₂ and DNA intercalation; through these actions, chloroquine inhibits the production of various cell products and induce conformational changes of DNA diminishing mutagenesis; despite these intracellular actions chloroquine is not cytotoxic. 

In experiments made in malignant glial cells and rat glioma the addition of chloroquine to the chemotherapy with nitrosoureas improved the cytotoxic effect of the later. After these experiences, clinical trials were conducted in which chloroquine was added to the standard curses of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. When compared with paired controls survival time doubled in those patients treated with chloroquine.

 Larger studies exploring chloroquine as adjuvant to the therapy of glioblastoma and other forms of cancer are warranted.

Bibliographical reference:

Sotelo J et al.: "Adding chloroquine to conventional treatment for glioblastoma multiforme: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial", Ann Intern Med. 2006 Mar 7;144(5):337-43

Julio Sotelo

National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico