Abstract: A novel fusion protein, comprising a receptor-antagonizing domain and a positive immunomodulator domain, characterized, for example, by its ability to block apoptosis and/or inhibit endocrine response, is useful in treating cancer. For example, a human prolactin antagonist-interleukin 2 (hPRLA-IL-2) fusion protein combines apoptosis induction and immuno-therapy to combat cancer in the breast or prostate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variant forms of human prolactin which act as antagonists at the prolactin receptor, and to the use of such variants in the treatment of human cancers and proliferative disorders, including both benign and malignant diseases of the breast and prostate.

Abstract: A class of procytotoxic agents is characterized by a capability to kill with target cell-specificity. Such an aspect can be a pore-forming protein which has at least one lysine residue, modified by a peptide linkage to an amino acid residue, via the epsilon amino group. These agents are useful in treating cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Abstract: The inventive vector specifically directs entry into a cell of monocytic origin. The vector is composed of a nucleic acid component, a lysosome evading component and a particle that can be phagocytized. The vector itself, or cells pretreated with the vector, are useful in all gene medicine applications. Because it is specific for monocytic cells, the inventive vector is particularly suited to vaccine applications. Due to the ability of monocytic cells to target tumors, the inventive vector also is suitable for use in anti-tumor applications, including conventional gene therapy.

Abstract: A rapid, simple-to-use method for preparing hybrid cells, applicable to fully differentiate, non-dividing cells, entails bringing at least two different cells into contact under conditions that promote cell fusion and then purifying the resultant hybrid without antibiotic or metabolic selection. This approach yields hybrid cells useful in a variety of applications, including clinical treatment regimens, as cellular modulators of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized nucleic acid that kills tumor cells and methods for producing the same. Specifically, the nucleic acid drug comprises pairs of viral inverted terminal repeat hairpin loops which elicit cell apoptosis. The present invention also provides methods for making such a stabilized nucleic acid drug as well as methods for targeting the drug to a cell nucleus or genome. Accordingly, the nucleic acid drug of the present invention is useful for inducing apoptosis in cells, especially those lacking p53, such as cancer cells.

Abstract: A novel fusion protein, comprising a receptor-antagonizing domain and an angiogensis inhibiting domain, characterized, for example, by its ability to block apoptosis and/or inhibit endocrine response, is useful in treating cancer. For example, a human prolactin antagonist-endostatin fusion protein combines apoptosis induction and angiogenesis inhibition to combat cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for making multimeric proteins to increase stability over their monomer. For example, more stable growth hormone and prolactin receptor agonists are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for slowing tumor growth, decreasing cell proliferation, decreasing neovascularization and blocking metastatic spread using highly sulfated oligosaccharides. The compositions described herein are useful for cancer therapy and may be optionally complexed to at least one therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions for stimulating T cell proliferation and methods for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness of some traditional anti-cancer treatments. Specifically, local delivery of cytokines that target the plasma membrane of a cancerous cell exhibit more potent anti-tumor effects than systemic delivery of cytokines in soluble form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vector system which can be stably translocated from the cytoplasm of a cell to the nucleus where it is a stable nuclear episomal vector. A basic vector system according to the present invention is generally composed of nucleic acid encoding (a) a promoter functional both in cytoplasm and nucleus, operably linked to (b) a plasmid maintenance/translocation factor and (c) an origin of replication.

Abstract: The inventive vector specifically directs entry into a cell of monocytic origin. The vector is composed of a nucleic acid component, a lysosome evading component and a particle that can be phagocytized. The vector itself, or cells pretreated with the vector, are useful in all gene medicine applications. Because it is specific for monocytic cells, the inventive vector is particularly suited to vaccine applications. Due to the ability of monocytic cells to target tumors, the inventive vector also is suitable for use in anti-tumor applications, including conventional gene therapy.

Abstract: A femoral intramedullary rod has a thin or reduced proximal segment so as to provide room for the use of femoral hip screws. Use of the rod for femoral shaft fixation permits subsequent independent treatment of an ipsilateral femoral hip fracture as an isolated injury, regardless of whether initially detected. Different rod embodiments are formed by the omission of different proximal portions of the rod. It is in such portions that the femoral screws may be placed to set hip fractures. The rod is cannulated for installation over a guide wire. Internal rod threads, below the thin proximal segment in some embodiments, are used for initial installation of the rod with a driving member screwed into such threads. Without driving forces on the thin proximal segment, such segment can be made even thinner. Once the rod is seated, hip screws may be installed if there is a detected hip fracture. Subsequent to healing, the femoral screws and interlocking screws (if any) may be removed.