[1] It interferes with glutamate metabolism and inhibits glutamate dependent synthesis of enzymes, and is thereby potentially helpful in treatment of solid tumors.

[2] After its discovery in 1972, acivicin was studied as an anti-cancer agent, but trials were unsuccessful due to toxicity.

[3] An in vitro study showed that Acivicin at a concentration of 5 μM Acivicin inhibited by 78% the growth of human pancreatic carcinoma cells (MIA PaCa-2) after 72 hours in continuous culture.

[1] Phase I dose escalating studies conducted in 23 cancer patients administered acivicin with a concomitant 96-h i.v.

infusion of a mixture of 16 amino acids showed reversible, dose-limiting CNS toxicity, characterized by lethargy, confusion and decreased mental status.