drug_type
RELEVANT_DRUG
intervention_type
Small molecule (antiviral prodrug)
drug_description
An oral prodrug of ganciclovir that is phosphorylated by HSV-1 thymidine kinase to cytotoxic metabolites, killing hTERT-expressing tumor cells in the suicide gene strategy.
nci_thesaurus_concept_id
C2629
nci_thesaurus_preferred_term
Valganciclovir
nci_thesaurus_definition
A synthetic prodrug of ganciclovir, a nucleoside analogue of 2-deoxyguanosine, with antiviral activity. After phosphorylation, valganciclovir is incorporated into DNA, resulting in inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, viral DNA synthesis, and viral replication. (NCI04)
drug_mesh_term
Valganciclovir
drug_category
SMALL MOLECULE DRUG
drug_class
Inhibitor
drug_delivery_route
Oral
drug_mechanism_of_action
Oral prodrug of ganciclovir; once converted to ganciclovir and phosphorylated (here by HSV‑1 thymidine kinase supplied by the suicide gene), it forms ganciclovir triphosphate that is incorporated into DNA, inhibiting DNA polymerase and DNA synthesis, leading to death of HSV‑TK–expressing tumor cells with a bystander effect.
drug_name
Valganciclovir
nct_id_drug_ref
NCT06695026