Abstract: This invention relates to combination chemotherapy, particularly involving vitamin D or a derivative thereof hi 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: 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: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting solid tumor cell or leukemia cell proliferation by first administering to a solid tumor cell or leukemia cell either vitamin D or a derivative thereof and subsequently administering at least one anti-metabolic nucleoside analog to the solid tumor cell or the leukemia cell. Also disclosed is a method of treating a cancerous condition. Methods of down regulating a p-AKt survival signaling pathway and modulating activity of a pro-apoptotic caspases is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting solid tumor cell or leukemia cell proliferation by first administering to a solid tumor cell or leukemia cell either vitamin D or a derivative thereof and subsequently administering at least one anti-metabolic nucleoside analog to the solid tumor cell or the leukemia cell. Also disclosed is a method of treating a cancerous condition. Methods of down regulating a p-AKt survival signaling pathway and modulating activity of a pro-apoptotic caspases is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of killing a cell by first administering to the cell a vitamin D derivative and subsequently administering to the cell a cytotoxic agent. Where the cell is within a tumor, the present invention provides a method of retarding the growth of the tumor by first administering the vitamin D derivative to the tumor and subsequently administering to the tumor the cytotoxic agent.