Abstract: Tumor cells exhibit consistent abnormalities in calcium regulation. The present disclosure teaches methods by which such differences are exploited to induce Apoptosis selectively in tumor/cancer cells while sparing normal cells. These methods are based upon employing drugs that, acting in synergistic combinations, trigger selective killing of malignant cells. Since the invention is based upon fundamental cell cycle requirements, to the extent that calcium handling abnormalities are a general characteristic of the malignant state, the methods presented here are widely applicable regardless of tissue of origin and degree of cellular de-differentiation.

Abstract: Tumor cells exhibit consistent abnormalities in calcium regulation. The present disclosure teaches methods by which such differences are exploited to induce Apoptosis selectively in tumor/cancer cells while sparing normal cells. These methods are based upon employing drugs that, acting in synergistic combinations, trigger selective killing of malignant cells. Since the invention is based upon fundamental cell cycle requirements, to the extent that calcium handling abnormalities are a general characteristic of the malignant state, the methods presented here are widely applicable regardless of tissue of origin and degree of cellular de-differentiation.

Abstract: Available evidence indicates that tumor cells exhibit consistent abnormalities in Calcium influx and intracellular storage of sequestered Calcium when compared to normal cells. The present invention provides clinical methods by which such differences are exploited to induce Apoptosis selectively in tumor cells while sparing normal cells. These methods are based upon employing drugs that, acting alone or in synergistic combinations, produce an increase in intracellular Calcium loading such that either or both of two major Apoptotic pathways are triggered to produce selective killing of malignant cells. Since the invention is based upon fundamental cell cycle requirements, to the extent that Calcium handling abnormalities are a general characteristic of the malignant state, the methods presented here are widely applicable regardless of tissue of origin and degree of cellular de-differentiation.