Abstract: The invention provides a simple, sensitive method to determine the concentration of oligonucleotides in biological matrices, such as plasma. The method involves obtaining a biological specimen containing a concentration of an oligonucleotide, removing an amount of protein from the sample, subjecting the sample to a chromatographic separation, and analyzing the eluant for the amount of oligonucleotide by mass spectrometry. The assay provides a reliable measure of the concentration of oligonucleotide in the concentration range of about 5 to about 10,000 ng/mL of sample.

Abstract: The present invention is for novel compositions and methods for treating cancer, particularly, for treating cancer in mammals and more particularly in humans. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention include liposome entrapped irinotecan in which the liposome can contain any of a variety of neutral or charged liposome-forming compounds and cardiolipin. The liposomes of the present invention can be either multilamellar vesicles and unilamellar vesicles, as desired.

Abstract: A gene that is a modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in certain cancer types is provided. SCC-112 (about 150 kDa) and/or a mutant form of SCC-112 (about 65 kDa) is a tumor suppressor molecule. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of SCC-112 such as breast and kidney cancers.

Abstract: The present invention is for novel compositions and methods for treating cancer, particularly, for treating cancer in mammals and more particularly in humans. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention include liposome entrapped vinorelbine in which the liposome can contain any of a variety of neutral or charged liposome-forming compounds and cardiolipin. The liposomes of the present invention can be either multilamellar vesicles or unilamellar vesicles, as desired.

Abstract: The partial DNA sequence of new gene SHINC-1 is provided. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of SHINC-1 such as breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.

Abstract: A gene that is a modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in certain cancer types is provided. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of BRCC2 such as breast cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: A gene that is a modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in certain cancer types is provided. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of BRCC-3 such as breast cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: A gene that is a positive mediator of tumor growth and metastasis in certain cancer types is provided. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of SCC-S2 such as renal, ovarian, head and neck, breast, prostate, brain, chronic myelogenous leukemia, lung, lymphoblastic leukemia, and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a SHINC-3 polynucleotide, which can be a nucleic acid encoding all or a portion of a SHINC-3 protein, or a complementary polynucleotide or antisense polynucleotide. In another aspect, the invention provides a SHINC-3 polypeptide, which can be a full-length SHINC-3 protein or a fragment thereof or an analog or homolog thereof. Desirably, the SHINC-3 polypeptide modulates apoptosis. In another aspect, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds a SHINC-3 polypeptide.

Abstract: A liposome having a lipid bilayer, where the lipid bilayer includes either the L or D stereoisomer of an ether lipid or a non-equal mixture of both. Most preferably the liposome also comprises (a) an underivatized phosphatidylcholine; (b) a sterol; (c) about 5-20 mole % of a phosphatidylethanolamine linked to a dicarboxylic acid at the ethanolamine group of the phosphatidylethanolamine, and (d) greater than about 10 mole % to less than about 30 mole % of either the L or D stereoisomer of an ether lipid. The liposome may be used as an anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory agent.

Abstract: A gene that is a modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in certain cancer types is provided. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of BRCC-1 such as breast cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides a SHINC-2 polynucleotide, which can be a nucleic acid encoding all or a portion of a SHINC-2 protein, or a complementary polynucleotide or antisense polynucleotide. In another aspect, the invention provides a SHINC-2 polypeptide, which can be a full-length SHINC-2 protein or a fragment thereof or an analog or homolog thereof Desirably, the SHINC-2 polypeptide modulates apoptosis. In another aspect, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds a SHINC-2 polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention pertains to liposomal formulations of mitoxantrone and methods for their manufacture and use. The compositions of the present invention include liposomal formulations of mitoxantrone in which the liposome contains any of a variety of neutral or charged liposome-forming materials in addition to a compound that is thought to bind mitoxantrone, such as cardiolipin. The liposomal compositions can be used advantageously in conjunction with secondary therapeutic agents other than mitoxantrone, including antineoplastic, antifungal, antibiotic among other active agents. Methods are provided in which a therapeutically effective amount of the formulation is administered to a mammal, such as a human.

Abstract: The present invention is for novel compositions and methods for treating diseases caused by cellular proliferation, particularly, for treating cancer in mammals and more particularly in humans. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention include SN-38 lipid complexes in which the complexes can contain any of a variety of neutral or charged lipids and, desirably, cardiolipin. The compositions are capable of efficiently incorporating SN-38 into complexes and are capable of solubilizing relatively high concentrations of SN-38.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of oliognucleotide containing cationic liposomal formulations to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, particularly as a means to chemosensitize cancer are tumor tissues to the efficiencies of chemotherapy. This is particularly advantageous in the context of treatment of ras expressing tumors such as breast, lung, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides vehicles capable of delivering high concentrations of poorly hydrophilic/poorly lipophilic compounds to animals, by combining compounds having biocompatible hydrophobic domains with conjugates having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Such formulations are suitable for a number of uses in animals, particularly the administration thereto of high concentrations of therapeutically useful compound, without an undue level of side effects.

Abstract: Provided herein is a taxane having a hydrocarbon attached at the 2′ and/or 7 positions, the hydrocarbon's alpha position being occupied by a “hydrolysis-promoting group” (“HPG”). In one embodiment, the hydrolysis promoting group is stereospecifically attached to the &agr;-carbon of the hydrophobic taxane. The Substitution of an HPG for the methylene unit ordinarily occupying the alpha position allows for enhanced in vivo hydrolysis of the hydrocarbon-taxane bond, and hence, for enhanced taxane therapeutic activity. Also provided herein are taxane-containing compositions, and methods of administering taxanes to animals, including those afflicted with cancers or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein is a taxane having a hydrocarbon attached at the 2′ and/or 7 positions, the hydrocarbon's alpha position being occupied by a “hydrolysis-promoting group” (“HPG”). In one embodiment, the hydrolysis promoting group is stereospecifically attached to the a-carbon of the hydrophobic taxane. The Substitution of an HPG for the methylene unit ordinarily occupying the alpha position allows for enhanced in vivo hydrolysis of the hydrocarbon-taxane bond, and hence, for enhanced taxane therapeutic activity. Also provided herein are taxane-containing compositions, and methods of administering taxanes to animals, including those afflicted with cancers or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein is a taxane having a hydrocarbon attached at the 2′ and/or 7 positions, the hydrocarbon's alpha position being occupied by a “hydrolysis-promoting group” (“HPG”). In one embodiment, the hydrolysis promoting group is stereospecifically attached to the &agr;-carbon of the hydrophobic taxane. The Substitution of an HPG for the methylene unit ordinarily occupying the alpha position allows for enhanced in vivo hydrolysis of the hydrocarbon-taxane bond, and hence, for enhanced taxane therapeutic activity. Also provided herein are taxane-containing compositions, and methods of administering taxanes to animals, including those afflicted with cancers or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides vehicles capable of delivering high concentrations of poorly hydrophilic/poorly lipophilic compounds to animals, by combining compounds having biocompatible hydrophobic domains with conjugates having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Such formulations are suitable for a number of uses in animals, particularly the administration thereto of high concentrations of therapeutically useful compound, without an undue level of side effects.