Abstract: The invention relates to combining targeted therapies with selected chemotherapeutics for the treatment of melanoma. The invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in a melanoma tumor cell by reducing Akt3 activity, a method for inducing apoptosis in a melanoma tumor cell comprising contacting a melanoma tumor cell with an agent that reduces Akt3 activity to restore normal apoptotic sensitivity to a melanoma tumor cell, allowing a lower concentration of chemotherapeutic agents resulting in decreased toxicity to a patient. Also disclosed is a method for treating a melanoma comprising administering an agent that reduces Akt3 activity and an agent that reduces V599E B-Raf activity, thereby treating a melanoma tumor.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described herein. In particular, compositions including one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described. Methods for treatment of pathological conditions particularly cancer, in a subject using one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described herein.

Abstract: Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions including one or more selenium-containing COX-2 inhibitors are provided according to aspects of the present invention. Methods of treating a subject having or suspected of having cancer are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including a selenium-containing COX-2 inhibitor.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described herein. In particular, compositions including one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described. Methods for treatment of pathological conditions particularly cancer, in a subject using one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described herein.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: R2-R—R1, where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)n—Se—C(?NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)n—Se—C(?NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more isothiocyanates and/or isoselenocyanates. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: R2-R-R1, where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)nSe—C(?NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)nSe—C(?NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described herein. In particular, compositions including one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described. Methods for treatment of pathological conditions particularly cancer, in a subject using one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described herein.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)n—Se—C(?NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)n—Se—C(?NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more isothiocyanates and/or isoselenocyanates. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.