The combination of adenosine deaminase inhibition and deoxyadenosine induces apoptosis in a human astrocytoma cell line.

Alterations in the functions of astrocytes contribute to the appearance of a variety of neurological pathologies. Gliomas, especially those of astrocytic origin, are particularly resistant to chemotherapy and are often characterized by a poor prognosis. Neuroblastoma is the tumour with the higher incidence in infants.