NCIt definition : A malate salt of diltazem, a benzothiazepine calcium channel blocking agent. Diltiazem
inhibits the transmembrane influx of extracellular calcium ions into select myocardial
and vascular smooth muscle cells, causing dilatation of coronary and systemic arteries
and decreasing myocardial contractility. Because of its vasodilatory activity, this
agent has been shown to improve the microcirculation in some tumors, thereby potentially
improving the delivery of antineoplastic agents to tumor cells.;