Abstract: The present invention generally relates to artemisinin/dihydroartemisinin (DHA) derivatives, and their use for therapy, in particular cancer therapy. These tumor-homing artemisinin derivatives (THAD) comprise three moieties: an artemisinin/DHA or a derivative thereof, a heptamethine carbocyanine dye (HMCD) residue, and a linker that conjugates the HMCD dye residue to the artemisinin residue. The THAD include compounds wherein the linker is linked to one or two DHA residue(s) via one or more ether bonds, and wherein the linker is linked to two DHA residues via two bonds independently selected from ester, carbamate and thiocarbamate. The THAD of the invention provide improved growth inhibition of cancer cells. The present invention also relates to improved methods of cancer therapy wherein a THAD is administered to a cancer patient. In embodiments, one or more THAD may be co-administered in a coordinated administration schedule.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to tumor homing statin derivatives (THSD) and their use for therapy, in particular cancer therapy. These THSD comprise three moieties: a statin moiety which comprises a dihydroxyheptanoic acid unit (DHHA) fixated by linkage into its open chain form, a heptamethine carbocyanine dye (HMCD) moiety, and a linker that conjugates the DHHA of the statin to the dye moiety. The linker is linked to the DHHA via an ester bond (ester-linked statin derivative or ELSD), or via an amide bond (amide-linked statin derivative or ALSD). Thus linked to the DHHA, the linker provides a relatively stable link either for essentially no hydrolysis/statin release after administration, or preferably for very slow hydrolysis and statin release, as is the case for the ELSD. Embodiments include methods to provide the desired THSD, in particular the ELSD, with the DHHA in its open chain form.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to artemisinin/dihydroartemisinin (DHA) derivatives, and their use for therapy, in particular cancer therapy. These tumor-homing artemisinin derivatives (THAD) comprise three moieties: an artemisinin/DHA or a derivative thereof, a heptamethine carbocyanine dye (HMCD) residue, and a linker that conjugates the HMCD dye residue to the artemisinin residue. The THAD include compounds wherein the linker is linked to one or two DHA residue(s) via one or more ether bonds, and wherein the linker is linked to two DHA residues via two bonds independently selected from ester, carbamate and thiocarbamate. The THAD of the invention provide improved growth inhibition of cancer cells. The present invention also relates to improved methods of cancer therapy wherein a THAD is administered to a cancer patient. In embodiments, one or more THAD may be co-administered in a coordinated administration schedule.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to tumor homing statin derivatives (THSD) and their use for therapy, in particular cancer therapy. These THSD comprise three moieties: a statin moiety which comprises a dihydroxyheptanoic acid unit (DHHA) fixated by linkage into its open chain form, a heptamethine carbocyanine dye (HMCD) moiety, and a linker that conjugates the DHHA of the statin to the dye moiety. The linker is linked to the DHHA via an ester bond (ester-linked statin derivative or ELSD), or via an amide bond (amide-linked statin derivative or ALSD). Thus linked to the DHHA, the linker provides a relatively stable link either for essentially no hydrolysis/statin release after administration, or preferably for very slow hydrolysis and statin release, as is the case for the ELSD. Embodiments include methods to provide the desired THSD, in particular the ELSD, with the DHHA in its open chain form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metastases. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods for the inhibition of metastases of cancer cells, such as prostate cancer cells, to bones and soft tissue. The present invention also relates to the treatment of cancer, including but not limited to prostate cancer. Also provided are animal models for studying cancer metastasis; particularly, prostate cancer metastasis. Further provided are compositions, processes and systems to prognosticate cancer.