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NCI Drug Dictionary


galactomannan derivative 
A carbohydrate polymer composed of mannose and galactose, with chemotherapeutic enhancing activity. Galactomannan derivative binds to galectins on cell surfaces and may promote the transport of certain chemotherapeutics, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), into tumor cells. This may increase the antineoplastic effect of 5-FU when administered concomitantly. Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins, upregulated on the surface of certain types of tumor cells, and may mediate cell association, survival and metastasis. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Synonym:1,4-beta-D-galactomannan
US brand name:DAVANAT
Abbreviation:GD