NCIt definition : A small molecule that can increase progesterone receptor (PR) expression, with potential
antineoplastic adjuvant activity. Upon intramuscular administration, cridanimod is
able to induce the expression of PR in endometrial cancer. This could increase the
sensitivity of endometrial cancer cells to progestin monotherapy. In combination with
a progestin, cancer cells could be eradicated through increased PR-mediated signaling,
leading to an inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland,
via a negative feedback mechanism, and, eventually, an inhibition of estrogen release
from the ovaries. This leads to an inhibition of cellular growth in estrogen-dependent
tumor cells. In addition, this agent is able to increase the production and release
of interferon (IFN) alpha and beta. PR is often downregulated in endometrial cancer
and makes it resistant to progestin-mediated hormone therapy.;