Abstract: The present invention provides novel therapeutic applications of low dose naltrexone (LDN). Said applications have been determined in light of the discovery by the present inventors that naltrexone acts as an antagonist of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), an innate immune receptor which elicits the production of inflammatory cytokines when agonised. Chronic inflammation and TLR9 overexpression are characteristics of a number of disorders, including certain cancers. Accordingly, the present invention provides novel uses of naltrexone in the treatment of a subject having a disorder characterised by TLR9 overexpression and/or overactivity of TLR9-mediated signalling. The present invention also provides novel uses of naltrexone in the supportive care of subject having a tumour/cancer, and methods of treating and providing supportive care to a subject, comprising the administration of naltrexone.

Abstract: It has been found by the present inventors that agents that boost the expression of the opioid receptor kappa 1 (OPRK1) can enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents in multiple cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the effect is dose dependent, where the greater the induced expression of OPRK1, the greater the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent. The increase in overall cytotoxicity is independent of the cytotoxicity of the agent that increases the expression of OPRK1, which itself has no or minimal cytotoxic effect.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that co-administration of 6-?-naltrexol alongside vitamin D together with a chemotherapeutic agent, results in a further reduction in lung cancer cell growth. The combination of 6-?-naltrexol with vitamin D results in a greater decrease in the growth of cancer cells compared to the sum of the effects of each agent when administered in isolation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel therapeutic applications of low dose naltrexone (LDN). Said applications have been determined in light of the discovery by the present inventors that naltrexone acts as an antagonist of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), an innate immune receptor which elicits the production of inflammatory cytokines when agonized. Chronic inflammation and TLR9 overexpression are characteristics of a number of disorders, including certain cancers. Accordingly, the present invention provides novel uses of naltrexone in the treatment of a subject having a disorder characterised by TLR9 overexpression and/or overactivity of TLR9-mediated signalling. The present invention also provides novel uses of naltrexone in the supportive care of subject having a tumour/cancer, and methods of treating and providing supportive care to a subject, comprising the administration of naltrexone.