Abstract: A method or preparing immunologically primed cancer cells using cancer cells collected from a patient includes treating the collected cancer cells, ex vivo, with a toxic concentration of a compound that modifies sphingolipid metabolism, wherein the toxic concentration is sufficient to induce immunogenic cell death in the cancer cells. In an embodiment, the compound is 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-adamantane-1-carboxylic acid(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-amide compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In an embodiment, the immunologically primed cancer cells overexpress calreticulin on their surface. In an embodiment, the cancer cells are solid tumor cells. In an embodiment, the cancer cells are circulating tumor cells. In an embodiment, the method further comprises harvesting at least a portion of the immunologically primed cancer cells; and suspending the cells in phosphate-buffered saline.

Abstract: The invention relates to prodrugs of hydroxyl-substituted adamantane compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for inhibiting sphingosine kinase and for treating or preventing hyperproliferative disease, inflammatory disease, or angiogenic disease.

Abstract: The invention includes processes mainly for the treatment of a inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma, allergy, inflammatory kidney disease, circulatory shock, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, skin inflammation, periodontal disease, psoriasis and T cell-mediated diseases of immunity, including allergic encephalomyelitis, allergic neuritis, transplant allograft rejection, graft versus host disease, myocarditis, thyroiditis, nephritis, systemic lupus erthematosus, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The processes involve treating a patient with a pharmaceutical composition containing an active ingredient that inhibits the activity of sphingosine kinase.

Abstract: Ischemia-reperfusion injury remains a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals who experience disruption of normal blood flow to one or more major organs. For example, there are no clinically proven strategies that prevent acute renal failure following cardiac surgery. The present invention provides a variety of methods for the treatment or prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury. In one aspect of the invention, a method for treating or preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury includes administering to a subject an effective amount of a sphingosine kinase inhibitor. Sphingosine kinase inhibitors are very effective in the protection against IR-induced acute renal failure and liver failure. Moreover, the effects occur very early after administration, requiring only a very short time of treatment. Toxicology studies with sphingosine kinase inhibitors demonstrate that they have low toxicity, even in long-term treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to prodrugs of hydroxyl-substituted adamantane compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for inhibiting sphingosine kinase and for treating or preventing hyperproliferative disease, inflammatory disease, or angiogenic disease.