Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits a) for predicting colorectal cancer patient survival, as well as the survival of patients harboring other invasive cancers where cellular proliferation and carcinogenesis is linked, in part, to high levels of ODC activity and increased cellular polyamine contents, and b) for selecting the corresponding treatment options for such patients based on the allelic nucleotide sequence or SNP at position +316 of the ODC1 promoter gene as well as cancer treatment methods, in each case, which include the determination of the ODC1 promoter +316 position genotype, as a means to guide treatment selection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits a) for predicting colorectal cancer patient survival, as well as the survival of patients harboring other invasive cancers where cellular proliferation and carcinogenesis is linked, in part, to high levels of ODC activity and increased cellular polyamine contents, and b) for selecting the corresponding treatment options for such patients based on the allelic nucleotide sequence or SNP at position +316 of the ODC1 promoter gene as well as cancer treatment methods, in each case, which include the determination of the ODC1 promoter +316 position genotype, as a means to guide treatment selection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits a) for predicting colorectal cancer patient survival, as well as the survival of patients harboring other invasive cancers where cellular proliferation and carcinogenesis is linked, in part, to high levels of ODC activity and increased cellular polyamine contents, and b) for selecting the corresponding treatment options for such patients based on the allelic nucleotide sequence or SNP at position +316 of the ODC1 promoter gene as well as cancer treatment methods, in each case, which include the determination of the ODC1 promoter +316 position genotype, as a means to guide treatment selection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits a) for predicting colorectal cancer patient survival, as well as the survival of patients harboring other invasive cancers where cellular proliferation and carcinogenesis is linked, in part, to high levels of ODC activity and increased cellular polyamine contents, and b) for selecting the corresponding treatment options for such patients based on the allelic nucleotide sequence or SNP at position +316 of the ODC1 promoter gene as well as cancer treatment methods, in each case, which include the determination of the ODC1 promoter +316 position genotype, as a means to guide treatment selection.

Abstract: Controlling exogenous polyamines may be used, in some aspects, as an adjunctive strategy to chemoprevention with polyamine inhibitory agents, for example, anti-carcinoma combination therapies comprising ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor and a spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase expression agonist, optionally based on a patient's ODC1 promoter genotype. Assessing a tissue polyamine level or tissue polyamine flux may be used in some aspects, for predicting the efficacy of an anti-carcinoma combination therapy comprising, for example, an ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor and an agent that modulates the polyamine pathway to reduce overall cellular polyamine content.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for transgene expression in target cells. Expression constructs using an inducible amplification system to drive expression of a therapeutic gene or other gene of interest in mammalian host cells are provided, as well as methods therefor. Inducible expression of the transgenes at high levels under physiologic conditions results from induction by hyperthermic conditions relative to the basal temperature of the host cells.

Abstract: Expression constructs using an inducible amplification system to drive expression of a therapeutic gene or other genes of interest in mammalian cells are provided, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inducible gene expression constructs and methods of inducing gene expression using a combination of inducing agents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating and/or inhibiting prostate cancer in a patient comprising administering &agr;-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in an amount and duration sufficient to stabilize or reduce the amount of polyamine produced by the hyperplastic cells, wherein said polyamine is spermine, spermidine or a combination of spermine and spermidine. Methods of administration, dosing, and combinational therapies are described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for transgene expression in target cells. Expression constructs using an inducible amplification system to drive expression of a therapeutic gene or other gene of interest in mammalian host cells are provided, as well as methods therefor. Inducible expression of the transgenes at high levels under physiologic conditions results from induction by hyperthermic conditions relative to the basal temperature of the host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inducible gene expression constructs and methods of inducing gene expression using a combination of inducing agents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating and/or inhibiting prostate cancer in a patient comprising administering &agr;-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in an amount and duration sufficient to stabilize or reduce the amount of polyamine produced by the hyperplastic cells, wherein said polyamine is spermine, spermidine or a combination of spermine and spermidine. Methods of administration, dosing, and combinational therapies are described.

Abstract: Activation of the Ki-ras proto-oncogene is common in colon carcinogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit carcinogen-induced colon carcinogenesis, decrease the frequency of Ki-ras mutations in the azoxymethane-treated rat model, and induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types. Sulindac, as well as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, are provided in combination with DFMO the prevention and/or treatment of cancers characterized by the expression of an activated Ki-ras. Provided with the present invention are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions that include a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, sulindac, together with an effective amount of difluoromethylornithine.