Abstract: Compounds of Formula I: E—NH—D—NH—B—A—B—NH—D—NH—E  (I) wherein A is C2-C6 alkene, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or cycloaryl; B is independently a single bond, C1-C6 alkyl alkenyl; D is independently C1-C6 alkyl or alkenyl, or C3-C6 cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or cycloaryl; and E is independently H, C3-C6 alkyl or alkenyl; and pharmaceutically-suitable salts thereof; a synthetic method therefor, pharmaceutical dosage forms containing one of more of these compounds, and use of these compounds in the treatment of neoplastic cell growth, are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel 4-substituted-1,2-naphthoquinones, pharmaceutical unit dosage forms containing 4-substituted-1,2-naphthoquinones, and uses of 4-substituted-1,2-naphthoquinones to inhibit the growth of cancer cells are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of .beta.-lapachone and dunnione derivatives of formulae I and II ##STR1## wherein, the a solution of lawsone in dimethylsufoxide at a temperature of -78.degree. C. or less is reacted with lithium hydride forming the lithium salt of lawsone; alkylating the lithium salt with an allyl halide; and cyclizing the C-alkylated lawsone derivative.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I:E-NH-D-NH-B-A-B-NH-D-NH-E (I)wherein A is C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkene, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or cycloaryl; B is independently a single bond, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl alkenyl; D is independently C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or alkenyl, or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or cycloaryl; and E is independently H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or alkenyl; and pharmaceutically-suitable salts thereof; a synthetic method therefor, pharmaceutical dosage forms containing one of more of these compounds, and use of these compounds in the treatment of neoplastic cell growth, are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel 4-substituted-1,2-naphthoquinones, pharmaceutical unit dosage forms containing 4-substituted-1,2-naphthoquinones, and uses of 4-substituted-1,2-naphthoquinones to inhibit the growth of cancer cells are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to .beta.-lapachone derivatives of formula II and compositions containing said compounds: ##STR1## wherein, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are as defined in the specification. The compounds are potent inhibitors of neoplastic cell growth and proliferation.

Abstract: 3-Substituted-.beta.-lapachone analogs and their use either alone or to augment chemotherapy or radiotherapy to induce programmed neoplastic cell death without exhibiting toxicity to surrounding normal cells are disclosed. In particular, 3-allyl-.beta.-lapachones, 3-alkyl-.beta.-lapachones and 3-halo-.beta.-lapachones were found to be Topoisomerase (Topo I) inhibitors. When these analogs are used alone there is a reversible single-strand break in the DNA of neoplastic cells causing apoptosis and cell death in some cells. However, when these analogs are combined with chemotherapy or X-irradiation, an irreversible Topo I-mediated break is achieved. A new and more efficient chemical synthesis of the compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhibition of cancer cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis by contacting cells with an N,N'-dibenzyl .alpha.,.omega.-diaminoalkane, a derivative of naturally-occurring putrescine. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment of cancer in humans by administration of a cancer cell growth-inhibiting amount of an N,N'-dibenzyl .alpha.,.omega.-diaminoalkane to a human cancer patient.