Abstract: A highly purified and specific glycosaminoglycan degrading enzyme, chondroitinase AC, and to a lesser extent, chondroitinase B, can be used in the treatment of metastatic cancers and in other disorders characterized by angiogenesis. The enzymatic removal of chondroitin sulfates A and C, and to a lesser extent, chondroitin sulfate B, from cell surfaces directly decreases the ability of tumor cells to invade blood vessels and thus prevents the formation of metastatic, or secondary tumors; inhibits tumor cell growth; and decreases angiogenesis by inhibiting both endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation. Decreasing the formation of new blood vessels into the tumor in turn decreases the potential for tumor growth, and further decreases the ability of tumor cells to invade the bloodstream. These effects are opposite to the prometastatic effects of tumor-secreted heparanase.

Abstract: A highly purified and specific glycosaminoglycan degrading enzyme, chondroitinase AC, and to a lesser extent, chondroitinase B, can be used in the treatment of metastatic cancers and in other disorders characterized by angiogenesis. The enzymatic removal of chondroitin sulfates A and C, and to a lesser extent, chondroitin sulfate B, from cell surfaces directly decreases the ability of tumor cells to invade blood vessels and thus prevents the formation of metastatic, or secondary tumors; inhibits tumor cell growth; and decreases angiogenesis by inhibiting both endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation. Decreasing the formation of new blood vessels into the tumor in turn decreases the potential for tumor growth, and further decreases the ability of tumor cells to invade the bloodstream. These effects are opposite to the pro-metastatic effects of tumor-secreted heparanase.

Abstract: Highly purified and specific glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes, chondroitinase B and chondroitinase AC, are used to treat fibroproliferative diseases. The enzymatic removal of chondroitin sulfate B(dermatan sulfate), and to a lesser extent, chondroitin sulfate A or C, from cell surfaces effectively decreases growth factor receptors on the cells and thereby decreases the cell proliferative response to such growth factors. In addition, removal of chondroitin sulfates reduces secretion of collagen, one of the major extracellular matrix components. Through the combined inhibition of fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, treatment with chondroitinase B or chondroitinase AC decreases the size of fibrous tissue found in psoriasis, scleroderma, keloids, pulmonary fibrosis and surgical adhesions.