NCI Drug Dictionary - National Cancer Institute

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Prograf

(Other name for: tacrolimus)

Prokine

(Other name for: sargramostim)

Proleukin

(Other name for: aldesleukin)

Prolixin

(Other name for: fluphenazine hydrochloride)

Prolutin

(Other name for: therapeutic progesterone)

Promacta

(Other name for: eltrombopag olamine)

promethazine hydrochloride

The hydrochloride salt form of promethazine, a phenothiazine derivative with antihistaminic, sedative and antiemetic properties. Promethazine hydrochloride selectively blocks peripheral H1 receptors thereby diminishing the effects of histamine on effector cells. Promethazine hydrochloride also blocks the central histaminergic receptors, thereby depressing the reticular system causing sedative and hypnotic effects. In addition, promethazine hydrochloride also has centrally acting anticholinergic properties and probably mediates nausea and vomiting by acting on the medullary chemoreceptive trigger zone. Check for or using this agent. ()

Promycin

(Other name for: porfiromycin)

propofol

A hypnotic alkylphenol derivative. Formulated for intravenous induction of sedation and hypnosis during anesthesia, propofol facilitates inhibitory neurotransmission mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This agent is associated with minimal respiratory depression and has a short half-life with a duration of action of 2 to 10 minutes. Check for or using this agent. ()

propylthiouracil

A thiourea derivative with antithyroid property. Propylthiouracil (PTU) interferes with the oxidation of iodine possibly by interaction with peroxidase or a peroxidase-mediated complex reaction, thereby inhibiting synthesis of thyroid hormones tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In addition, this agent inhibits the Type I 5'-deiodinase (D1), an enzyme involved in the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to tri-iodothyronine. This results in decreased plasma triodothyronine concentrations and decreased entrance of thyroxine into cells thereby reducing thyroid hormone activity. Check for or using this agent. ()

Proscar

(Other name for: finasteride)

prostate cancer vaccine ONY-P1

A cell-based vaccine derived from prostate cancer with potential immunopotentiating and antineoplastic activities. Prostate cancer vaccine ONY-P1 is derived from three irradiated allogeneic prostate cancer cell lines that represent different stages of prostate cancer and express a broad range of prostate and prostate cancer antigens. Upon adminstration, this vaccine may stimulate a host immune response against prostate cancer cells; in the vaccination schedule, the first two vaccinations are co-administered with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) as an adjuvant. Check for or using this agent. ()

Prostate Health Cocktail

(Other name for: cholecalciferol/d-alpha tocopherol/L-selenomethionine/green tea extract/saw palmetto berry extract/daidzein/genistein/lycopene prostate health supplement)

prostatic acid phosphatase-sargramostim fusion protein

A genetically-engineered protein formed by the fusion of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and sargramostim (GM-CSF). Vaccination with antigen-presenting cells (APC) loaded with prostatic acid phosphatase-sargramostim fusion protein may elicit a cytotoxic T-cell response against tumor cells that express PAP. Check for or using this agent. ()

PROSTVAC

(Other name for: recombinant vaccinia prostate-specific antigen vaccine)

proteasome inhibitor CEP 18770

An orally bioavailable synthetic P2 threonine boronic acid inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome, with potential antineoplastic activity. Proteasome inhibitor CEP 18770 represses the proteasomal degradation of a variety of proteins, including inhibitory kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha), resulting in the cytoplasmic sequestration of the transcription factor NF-kappaB; inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and transcriptional up-regulation of a variety of cell growth-promoting factors; and apoptotic cell death in susceptible tumor cell populations. In vitro studies indicate that this agent exhibits a favorable cytotoxicity profile toward normal human epithelial cells, bone marrow progenitors, and bone marrow-derived stromal cells relative to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. The intracellular protein IkappaBalpha functions as a primary inhibitor of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB. Check for or using this agent. ()

proteolytic enzymes

Enzymes produced and secreted by the pancreas which aid in the proteolysis of proteins in the digestive tract. Pancreatic proteolytic enzymes include trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase; these enzymes are secreted as zymogens, inactive precursors of the enzymes, and are activated in the lumen of the digestive canal. Another proteolytic enzyme, enteropeptidase, is associated with the brush border of enterocytes; this enzyme catalyses the conversion of trypsinogen into trypsin which, in turn, can activate a number of other pancreatic zymogens. Check for or using this agent. ()

Protopic

(Other name for: tacrolimus)

Provecta

(Other name for: PV-10)

Provenge

(Other name for: sipuleucel-T)

Proventil

(Other name for: albuterol sulfate)

Provera

(Other name for: medroxyprogesterone)

Provera Dosepak

(Other name for: medroxyprogesterone)

Provigan

(Other name for: promethazine hydrochloride)

Provigil

(Other name for: modafinil)

PRX302

A targeted prodrug consisting of a recombinant modified form of the Aeromonas protoxin proaerolysin (PA), bearing a prostate-specific protease cleavage site, with potential antineoplastic activity. When injected directly into the prostate, PRX302 is hydrolyzed to the active toxin aerolysin by the serine protease prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein overexpressed by prostate cancers and prostate cells in hyperplastic prostatic tissue. Aaerolysin molecules then oligomerize to form ring-like heptamers that are incorporated into the lipid bilayers of cell membranes, forming large membrane channels and resulting in the leakage of cellular contents and lysis of PSA-expressing prostate cells. Check for or using this agent. ()

PSA:154-163(155L) peptide vaccine

A cancer vaccine comprised of a synthetic peptide with an amino acid sequence corresponding to positions 154-163 of the amino acid sequence for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with a leucine substitution at position 155. Upon administration, PSA:154-163(155L) peptide vaccine may elicit a cytotoxic T-cell response against tumor cells that express PSA. Check for or using this agent. ()

psilocybin

A tryptamine alkaloid, isolated from various genera of fungi including the genus Psilocybe, with hallucinogenic, anxiolytic, and psychoactive activities. In vivo, psilocybin is rapidly dephosphorylated into the active compound psilocin, which activates serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), mimicking the effects of serotonin. Check for or using this agent. ()

PSMA/TARP peptide vaccine

A peptide-based cancer vaccine containing epitopes of T cell receptor gamma-chain alternate reading frame protein (TARP) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in combination with a Poly IC-LC immunoadjuvant, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, PSMA/TARP peptide vaccine may stimulate a host cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response against TARP- and PSMA-expressing tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell cytotoxicity. The nuclear protein TARP and PSMA are commonly expressed in prostate cancer cells. Check for or using this agent. ()

PSP-94-derived peptide PCK3145

A synthetic 15-mer peptide corresponding to amino acids 31-45 of the 94-amino acid isoform of human prostate secretory protein (PSP-94) with potential anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis activities. PSP-94-derived peptide PCK3145 may inhibit the secretion of the metastasis-related protein matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its potential binding to its cell surface receptor CD44; may interfere with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, resulting in an anti-angiogenesis effect; and may reduce the levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), decreasing plasma calcium levels. PSP-94, one of three predominant proteins found in seminal fluid, may be down-regulated in prostate cancer, representing a potential survival mechanism for prostate cancer cells. MMP-9 is implicated in the invasion and metastasis of cancer. PTHrP may be expressed by various tumor cell types, resulting in the hypercalcemia of malignancy. Check for or using this agent. ()

Pulmozyme

(Other name for: dornase alfa inhalation solution)

Purinethol

(Other name for: mercaptopurine)

Purlytin

(Other name for: tin ethyl etiopurpurin)

PV-10

An injectable ten percent solution of rose bengal disodium, an iodinated fluorescein derivative, with potential antineoplastic and radiosensitizing activities. When injected into tumor tissue, PV-10 specifically targets and concentrates in tumor cells, producing cytotoxic singlet oxygen when exposed to ionizing radiation. In addition, PV-10 may stimulate an anti-tumor immune response. Check for or using this agent. ()

PV701

An attenuated, replication-competent, oncolytic strain of Newcastle disease virus. PV701 selectively lyses tumor cells. The selectivity of this agent is related to defects in the interferon-mediated antiviral response found in tumor cells. Check for or using this agent. ()

PVA microporous hydrospheres

An embolic material composed of microspheres of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymers. These water-soluble, compressible microspheres may be used to encapsulate various therapeutic agents; drug-loaded microspheres can then be used as a drug delivery vehicle during embolization of tumor vasculature. Check for or using this agent. ()

PVA microporous hydrospheres/doxorubicin hydrochloride

An embolic material composed of microspheres of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymers loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride with antineoplastic activity. Doxorubicin hydrochloride-loaded microspheres may be used as a drug delivery vehicle during embolization of tumor vasculature. Doxorubicin intercalates DNA, interferes with catalytic activity of topoisomerase II, and causes DNA adducts and other DNA damage, resulting in tumor cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. When used in tumor vasculature embolization, this preparation may provide more tumor-specific treatment with doxorubicin compared to the systemic administration of doxorubicin, thereby reducing the systemic toxicity of doxorubicin. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyrazine diazohydroxide

A congener of pyridine 2-diazohydroxide. Pyrazine diazohydroxide forms DNA adducts via the reactive pyrazine diazonium ion, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyrazofurin

A nucleoside analog. Pyrazofurin potently inhibits orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase, thereby interfering with de novo synthesis of uridine nucleotides and resulting in cytotoxicity. This agent also causes a rapid depletion of the pyrimidine deoxynucleotide pool, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell replication. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyrazoloacridine

A 9-methoxy acridine compound containing a reducible 5-nitro substituent. Pyrazoloacridine appears to intercalate into DNA and inhibit RNA synthesis, DNA synthesis, and the activities of topoisomerases I and II, thereby causing cytotoxicity. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyridoxine hydrochloride

The hydrochloride salt of pyridoxine, a water-soluble B vitamin. Pyridoxine is converted in the liver into the metabolically active coenzyme form pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P), an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in amino acid metabolism, including transamination, deamination, and decarboxylation. P5P is required for glycogenolysis and the synthesis of sphingolipids and is essential to red blood cell, nervous system, and immune system functions. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyrimethamine

A synthetic derivative of ethyl-pyrimidine with potent antimalarial properties. Pyrimethamine is a competitive inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). DHFR is a key enzyme in the redox cycle for production of tetrahydrofolate, a cofactor that is required for the synthesis of DNA and proteins. This agent is often used in combination with other antimalarials for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyroxamide

A synthetic derivative of hydroxamic acid with antineoplastic properties, Pyroxamide inhibits histone deacetylases involved in transcription; induces hyperacetylation of core histones, modulating chromatin structure and affecting transcription of some genes that inhibit tumor growth; and induces growth arrest and apoptosis. Pyroxamide is used in clinical studies for cancer chemotherapy. Check for or using this agent. ()

pyruvate kinase inhibitor TLN-232

A synthetic cyclic heptapeptide with potential antineoplastic activity. Pyruvate kinase (PK) inhibitor TLN-232 targets pyruvate kinase M2 (M2PK), which may disrupt tumor cell anaerobic glycolysis. M2PK is a dimeric isoform of PK and the predominant PK isoform found in tumor cells. Check for or using this agent. ()

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