Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for the presence or absence of cancer characterized by increased DNA synthesis. The present invention also provides a method of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of cancer characterized by increased DNA synthesis. The methods are based on the observation that increased de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis is characteristic of malignant solid tumors. An initial step of pyrimidine biosynthesis is the conversion of orotidine monophosphate (OMP) to uridine monophosphate by OMP decarboxylase which is inhibited by mononucleotide precursors such as 6-hydroxyuridine, 6-azauridine, uridine, allopurinol and oxipurinol. Inhibition of OMP decarboxylase results in accumulation of orotidine and orotate which can be measured in a urine sample. The accumulation of oritidine and orotate, in amounts above that of a control, provides an indicator that the subject has a cancer characterized by having increased DNA synthesis.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.