Abstract: The present invention features methods of inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase and DNA synthesis after administration of a dose of ionizing radiation to cells. The present invention further features methods of treating patients suffering from cancer comprising contemporaneous or sequential administration of a radiosensitizing dose of a 2-carboxyaldehyde pyridine thiosemicarbazone compound and ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Nitroxyl is used to inhibit COX-2 activity and particularly to selectively inhibit COX-2 activity. Nitroxyl also is used to treat conditions that respond favorably to inhibition of COX-2 activity in subjects having such conditions. In some cases nitroxyl is used to treat conditions that respond favorably to inhibition of COX-2 activity in subjects having such conditions and who also have at least one other condition for which inhibition of COX-1 activity is disadvantageous. Nitroxyl can be provided directly, but typically is provided with the use of a nitroxyl donor. Nitroxyl donors include any agent or compound (or combination thereof) that donates HNO or NO?. Diazeniumdiolates are used in some cases as nitroxyl donors. In particular instances, diazeniumdiolates having a primary amine group are used as nitroxyl donors. Nitroxyl-donating compounds also are screened for selective COX-2 inhibition for identification as therapeutic agents.