NCIt definition : A polysulphonated naphthylurea with potential antineoplastic activity. Suramin blocks
the binding of various growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I),
epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and tumor growth
factor-beta (TGF-beta), to their receptors, thereby inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation
and migration. This agent also inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-
and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced angiogenesis; retroviral reverse
transcriptase; uncoupling of G-proteins from receptors; topoisomerases; cellular folate
transport; and steroidogenesis. (NCI04);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug that is used to treat infections caused by parasites. It is also
being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called
antiprotozoals and anthelmintics.;