Abstract: A method is provided for identifying an individual as having altered vitamin D metabolism comprising analyzing a biological sample from the individual for the presence of CYP24 SNPs and/or aberrantly spliced CYP24 mRNA. The presence of the SNPs and/or the aberrantly spliced CYP24 mRNA indicates that the individual has altered vitamin D metabolism. Also provided are methods for customizing dosages of biologically active vitamin D compounds for individuals who are determined to have altered vitamin D metabolism.

Abstract: Peptide motifs which define specificity of tumor-derived endothelial cells. These peptides possess a charge motif of positive-positive-hydrophobic which is important in determining the specificity of binding to tumor-derived endothelium. The specific molecular peptide motifs will facilitate diverse therapeutic and diagnostic applications including: anti-angiogenic therapies to be used in alone or in conjunction with standard therapies; imaging tools for both detection of very small metastasis that are undetectable by current techniques; for monitoring tumor response; for targeting and directing chemotherapy drugs to the tumor; for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, for treating some forms of blindness; as well as other diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to combination chemotherapy, particularly involving vitamin D or a derivative thereof. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of killing a cell by first administering to the cell vitamin D (or a derivative) and subsequently administering to the cell a cytotoxic agent. Where this strategy is applied to an intact tumor, the present invention provides a method of retarding the growth of the tumor by first administering vitamin D (or a derivative) to the tumor and subsequently administering the cytotoxic agent. A further aspect of the invention concerns a method of treating prostate cancer within a patient by co-administration of vitamin D (or a derivative) and a glucocorticoid to the patient. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides an improved method of treating a patient with vitamin-D involving the adjunctive administration of zoledronate.

Abstract: This invention relates to combination chemotherapy, particularly involving vitamin D or a derivative thereof. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of killing a cell by first administering to the cell vitamin D (or a derivative) and subsequently administering to the cell a cytotoxic agent. Where this strategy is applied to an intact tumor, the present invention provides a method of retarding the growth of the tumor by first administering vitamin D (or a derivative) to the tumor and subsequently administering the cytotoxic agent. A further aspect of the invention concerns a method of treating prostate cancer within a patient by co-administration of vitamin D (or a derivative) and a glucocorticoid to the patient. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides an improved method of treating a patient with vitamin-D involving the adjunctive administration of zoledronate.

Abstract: Peptide motifs which define specificity of tumor-derived endothelial cells. These peptides possess a charge motif of positive-positive-hydrophobic which is important in determining the specificity of binding to tumor-derived endothelium. The specific molecular peptide motifs will facilitate diverse therapeutic and diagnostic applications including: anti-angiogenic therapies to be used in alone or in conjunction with standard therapies; imaging tools for both detection of very small metastasis that are undetectable by current techniques; for monitoring tumor response; for targeting and directing chemotherapy drugs to the tumor; for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, for treating some forms of blindness; as well as other diagnostic and therapeutic applications.