Modulating Endogenous NQO1 Levels Identifies Key Regulatory Mechanisms of Action of β-Lapachone for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Because NQO1 enzyme activities are easily measured and commonly overexpressed (i.e., >70%) in pancreatic cancers 5- to 10-fold above normal tissue, strategies using β-lap to efficaciously treat pancreatic cancers are indicated. On the basis of optimal drug formulation and efficacious antitumor efficacy, such a therapy should be extremely safe and not accompanied with normal tissue toxicity or hemolytic anemia.