Novel uses of deferoxamine.

Deferoxamine has been extensively used as chelation therapy in iron-overloaded states. Recently, some investigators have explored the potential usefulness of deferoxamine as an antiproliferative, antiinflammatory, and immunosuppressive agent. The studies of deferoxamine have indicated that the drug blocks DNA synthesis by inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase. Deferoxamine has also shown antiinflammatory properties, possibly by inhibition of polymorphonuclear neutrophil function. Analysis of possible antiinflammatory effects of deferoxamine has been complicated by concomitant immunosuppressive effects of the drug. Deferoxamine inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation, both by ribonucleotide reductase inhibition and by preventing the expression of interleukin 2 receptor-alpha chain. The use of iron-chelating agents in non-iron-overloaded patients carries the risk of neurologic, metabolic, and infectious complications. The clinical usefulness of deferoxamine in these novel applications will require careful study of both efficacy and any toxic effects.