Therapeutic concentrations of digitoxin inhibit endothelial focal adhesion kinase and angiogenesis induced by diverse growth factors

Cardiac glycosides are Na(+) /K(+) -ATPases inhibitors used to treat congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Epidemiological studies indicate that patients on digitalis therapy are more protected from cancer. Evidence of a selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells has suggested their potential use as anticancer drugs. The effect on angiogenesis of clinically used cardiac glycosides has not been extensively explored.