Inhibition of catecholamine biosynthesis by carbidopa and metyrosine in neuroblastoma

Abstract

In three patients with neuroblastoma and high circulating levels of dopamine and dopa, we interfered pharmacologically with catecholamine biosynthesis either at the tyrosine hydroxylase or dopa decarboxylase step in an attempt to 1) improve the efficacy of antitumor therapy and 2) avoid the potential arrythmogenic interaction between elevated circulating catecholamines and an halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetic during surgery. Biochemical evidence indicated that inhibition of catecholamine biosynthesis had occurred but there was no associated significant change in clinical status or response to other therapy.