Abstract: This invention provides methods for selectively killing a hyperproliferative cell by contacting the cell with the compound BVdU, its derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology in a subject characterized by pathological, hyperproliferative cells by administering to the subject an effective amount of the compound BVdU, its derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The invention also provides a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents by contacting a neoplastic cell with the agent and with BVdU and performing an assay to detect inhibition of proliferation and cell killing. The invention also provides methods for selecting from among a patient population, patients that are likely to benefit from treatment with BVdU, by determining the level of endogenous, intracellular TK and TS.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems to identify enzymes that act as enzyme catalyzed therapeutic activators and the enzymes identified by these methods. Also provided by this invention are compounds activated by the enzymes as well as compositions containing these compounds.