Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of high affinity adenosine A3 receptor antagonists for enhancing chemotherapeutic treatment of cancers expressing adenosine A3 receptors and cancers expressing P-glycoprotein or MRP. In preferred embodiments, adenosine A3 receptor antagonists are administered before or during administration of a taxane family, vinca alkaloid, camptothecin or antibiotic chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of high affinity adenosine A3 receptor antagonists for enhancing chemotherapeutic treatment of cancers expressing adenosine A3 receptors and cancers expressing P-glycoprotein or MRP. In preferred embodiments, adenosine A3 receptor antagonists are administered before or during administration of a taxane family, vinca alkaloid, camptothecin or antibiotic chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of high affinity adenosine A3 receptor antagonists for enhancing chemotherapeutic treatment of cancers expressing adenosine A3 receptors and cancers expressing P-glycoprotein or MRP. In preferred embodiments, adenosine A3 receptor antagonists are administered before or during administration of a taxane family, vinca alkaloid, camptothecin or antibiotic chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: It was found that normal human stem cells produce a regulated non-processive telomerase activity, while cancer cells produce a processive telomerase activity. Nucleotide analogs, such as 7-deaza-2′-deoxyquanosine-5′-triphosphate (7-deaza-dGTP) were found to be substrates for processive telomerase and incorporated into telomeric sequence. The incorporation of this nucleotide subsequently affected the processivity of telomerase, converting processive telomerase to non-processive telomerase. The incorporation of this nucleotide analogs was also found to inhibit formation of G-quartets by telomeric sequence. Other methods for converting cancer processive telomerase to the more benign non-processive telomerase include partially cleaving the telomerase RNA.

Abstract: Tumor growth and metastasis can be inhibited by administration of adenosine A1 and/or A3 antagonists, preferably A3 antagonists, to a patient. The antagonists can be, and preferably are, administered in combination with other anti-tumor agents, such as anti-angiogenic agents (including adenosine A2a antagonists) and/or cytotoxic agents. Because the cytotoxic agents attack the tumor cells themselves, and the anti-angiogenic agents prevent the growth of vasculature which would otherwise support the growth of the tumor cells.

Abstract: It was found that normal human stem cells produce a regulated non-processive telomerase activity, while cancer cells produce a processive telomerase activity. Nucleotide analogs, such as 7-deaza-2'-deoxyquanosine-5'-triphosphate (7-deaza-dGTP) were found to be substrates for processive telomerase and incorporated into telomeric sequence. The incorporation of this nucleotide subsequently affected the processivity of telomerase, converting processive telomerase to non-processive telomerase. The incorporation of this nucleotide analogs was also found to inhibit formation of G-quartets by telomeric sequence. Other methods for converting cancer processive telomerase to the more benign non-processive telomerase include partially cleaving the telomerase RNA.

Abstract: It was found that normal human stem cells produce a regulated non-processive telomerase activity, while cancer cells produce a processive telomerase activity. Nucleotide analogs, such as 7-deaza-2'-deoxyquanosine-5'-triphosphate (7-deaza-dGTP) were found to be substrates for processive telomerase and incorporated into telomeric sequence. The incorporation of this nucleotide subsequently affected the processivity of telomerase, converting processive telomerase to non-processive telomerase. The incorporation of this nucleotide analogs was also found to inhibit formation of G-quartets by telomeric sequence. Other methods for converting cancer processive telomerase to the more benign non-processive telomerase include partially cleaving the telomerase RNA.

Abstract: Improved telomerase activity assays are provided in which a ligation sequential reaction (LSR) or BrdUTP are used to identify a telomerase specific product. These assays are useful in diagnosing various cancers and determining the clinical prospects for cancer patients. In addition, the assays can be used to screen for substances that interfere with telomerase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel bis-naphthalimides characterized by having a linker containing a heteroatom, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and various methods of using the bis-naphthalimides. Particularly preferred bis-naphthalimides have a linker of about 8-16 atoms where the heteroatom is oxygen, sulfur, sulfur oxide or sulfur dioxide. The bis-naphthalimides provided herein have exceptional DNA binding properties and demonstrate cytotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models, in particular, against melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel bis-naphthalimides characterized by having a linker containing a heteroatom, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and various methods of using the bis-naphthalimides. Particularly preferred bis-naphthalimides have a linker of about 8-16 atoms where the heteroatom is oxygen, sulfur, sulfur oxide or sulfur dioxide. The bis-naphthalimides provided herein have exceptional DNA binding properties and demonstrate cytotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models, in particular, against melanoma. Also provided a novel mono-naphthalimides linked to a DNA alkylating agent. These agents are shown to have conformational effects on double stranded DNA and to form covalent adducts after an extended incubation period.