Abstract: The R-(+) enantiomeric form of .+-. racemic 7-(2, 3-empoxypropoxy) actinomycin D (EPA) is provided which is effective in the therapeutic treatment of cancer. The analogue has the formula: ##STR1## wherein the P's are: ##STR2## The enantiomeric form is uniformly superior to other forms of the compound in treating malignant tumors.

Abstract: A process for detecting cancer in a human patient is provided wherein a blood serum is recovered from the patient and is reacted with a monoclonal antibody comprising anti-haptoglobin variant under conditions to effect an immunoreaction when an immunosuppressive factor having a molecular weight of about 50K Daltons is present in the serum. The presence of immunosuppressive factor at concentration levels substantially exceeding normal concentration levels indicates the existence of immunoincompetence due to widely spread cancer. The effectiveness of cancer therapy is monitored by monitoring the change in levels of the immunosuppressive haptoglobin variant factor in the serum from the patient being treated.

Abstract: New uracil compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkoxy or amino are provided. These compounds are useful in treating patients having leukemia, the cells of which express terminal deoxynucleootidyl transferase.

Abstract: A high purity immunosuppression factor (IF) having a molecular weight of about 50,000 or a reduced IF having a molecular weight of about 25,000 derived from the higher molecular weight IF and which is stable in dilute aqueous solutions is obtained from human ascites fluid. An extract of human ascites fluid is subjected to chromatography to recover a component of the ascites fluid rich in the immunosuppression factor and containing proteinaceous material which does not degrade the IF factor. The pure IF is obtained by subjecting the component rich in IF to contact with solid phase anti-human IgG (Fc specific) to recover pure IF having a molecular weight of above 50,000. The reduced IF is obtained by heating the higher molecular weight IF.

Abstract: 7-(2,3-Epoxypropoxy)actinomycin D has been synthesized along with its major companion product, 7-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-actinomycin D. They were characterized by UV-visible and CD spectra and by NMR studies. According to UV-visible absorptiometry, circular dichroism, and thermal denaturation studies, they bind to DNA in a manner that is comparable to actinomycin D. The analogues are, like actinomycin D, extremely cytotoxic to human lymphoblastic leukemic cells (CCRF-CEM) in vitro but are significantly less toxic than actinomycin D to normal CDF.sub.1 mice in vivo. Unlike actinomycin, these analogues are metabolized in rats, and the metabolites are excreted in rat urine at a rapid rate. Compared to actinomycin D, the antitumor activity of the 7-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)actinomycin analogue against P-388 leukemia in mice is decidedly superior, and the therapeutic index is improved several fold.

Abstract: Seizures are inhibited or prevented and tranquilizing effect induced by administering riboflavin or a riboflavin analog, alone or in combination with a conventional anticonvulsant or tranquilizer to enhance its effect.

Abstract: A dicyclic dianhydride rapidly and efficiently couples with a broad variety of amines such as polypeptides and proteins in non-aqueous or aqueous media and then may be chelated with a wide choice of radioisotope metallic cations to yield a radio-labeled product that is stable in vivo. A simple 1-step synthesis of the coupled amine in aqueous solution of neutral pH is described which requires only a few minutes time and with little accompanying hydrolysis.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a film of uniformly oriented molecules from a solution or suspension of the molecules including means to house the molecules in a swinging bucket centrifugation apparatus. The housing means has a gravitational isopotential surface with a radius of curvature equal to the distance between the surface and the spin axis of the centrifugation apparatus. The isopotential surface is normal to the direction of the gravitational forces during spinning. Means for evaporating solvent during centrifugation is provided.