Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of cancer in an animal comprising:(A) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the General Formula (I). ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represents an atomic group necessary to form a 5- or 6-membered ring;R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, each represents an alkyl group or an aryl group;L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 each represents a methine group or a substituted methine group;X represents a pharmaceutically acceptable anion;k represents a number necessary for electrical charge balance;n represents 0 or 1; and(B) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of cancer comprises:(A) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the General Formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represents O, S, Se, --CH.dbd.CH--, ##STR2## Y.sub.1 represents O, S, Se, or ##STR3## R.sub.1 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, each represents an alkyl group;R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group;Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represents an atomic group necessary to form a 5- or 6-membered ring;L.sub.1 represents a methine group or L.sub.1 and R.sub.3 may combine and form a 5- or 6-membered ring;R.sub.4 and R.sub.5, which may be the same or different, each represents a alkyl group;R.sub.6 and R.sub.

Abstract: A (+)-charged dye transition metal complex, particularly a complex of platinum and a (+)-charged dye such as rhodamine 123. These products demonstrate antitumor and radio-sensitizing activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting a localized biochemical event in a cell, wherein said event results in a change in the membrane potential of that cell. The method includes treating the cell with a composition containing a lipophilic, cationic dye having a delocalized positive charge and the ability to undergo multiple changes in fluorescence spectra upon aggregation. The cell is treated with the dye for a time sufficient to enable the dye to associate with the cell. Dye which has not associated with the cell is then removed. Fluorescence is observed when the cell is exposed to light having a wavelength suitable for exciting the dye. The spectrum obtained is indicative of the relative membrane potential of said cell, and a change in that membrane potential being indicative of the occurrence of a biochemical event.

Abstract: A (+)-charged dye transition metal complex, particularly a complex of platinum and a (+)-charged dye such as rhodamine 123. These products demonstrate antitumor and radio-sensitizing activity.