Melanoma cell death induced by sphingosine and betulinic acid [Abstract]

Background: Melanoma cells are known to be especially resistant, in vitro, to induction of apoptotic cell death by classical chemotherapeutic agents; this correlates with the negligible clinical efficacy of these agents against melanoma. However, 2 classes of chemotherapeutic agents, betulinic acid and sphingolipids, have recently demonstrated activity against melanoma cells. Results: Betulinic acid selectively kills neuroectodermal neoplastic cells, primarily melanoma and neuroblastoma cells, through apoptotic pathways.