Abstract: A protein called transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-.beta.) is important in causing the inflammation and progressive scar tissue in pulmonary fibrosis. The TGF-.beta..sub.1 isoform is important in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. It is usually secreted non-covalently bound to a latency associated peptide (LAP) which renders it biologically inactive. The inactive form is called latent TGF-.beta..sub.1 (L-TGF-.beta..sub.1). Activation of L-TGF-.beta..sub.1 involves L-TGF-.beta..sub.1 /TSP-1 complex which interacts with the TSP-1 receptor, CD36, to process L-TGF-.beta..sub.1 to the mature form in the presence of plasmin. Synthetic or natural CD36 peptides or fragments thereof can be used to prevent activation of TGF-.beta..sub.1, in mammalian alveolar macrophages, thereby controlling the inflammation process.

Abstract: Prostate cancer particularly hormone-unresponsive metastatic prostate cancer, is treated by cyclophosphamide or other normally substantially inactive agent. Potentiation of the anti-cancer activity and amelioration of cyclophosphamide-associated toxicity is achieved by an initial intravenous infusion of DPPE over an approximately one hour period prior to cyclophosphamide treatment.