T-type Ca2+ channel blockers suppress the growth of human cancer cells.

In order to further clarify the role of T-type Ca(2+) channels in cell proliferation, we have measured the growth inhibition of human cancer cells by using our potent T-type Ca(2+) channel blockers. As a result, KYS05090, a most potent T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, was found to be as potent as doxorubicin against some human cancer cells without acute toxicity. Therefore, this letter provides the biological results that T-type calcium channel is important in regulating the important cellular phenotype transition leading to cell proliferation, and thus novel T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker presents new prospects for cancer treatment.