Abstract: A reverse transcriptase encoded by L-1 (LINE-1) has been identified as a target molecule for treating or preventing cancers induced or mediated by this molecule. Method of treating or preventing such cancers in patients involves administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition having an inhibitor or antagonist of the reverse transcriptase in cells of the patients. The inhibitor or antagonist blocks lengthening of telomeres in telomerase negative cells. Methods and kits for detecting pathologically proliferating cells expressing L1RT are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating individuals suffering from cancer characterized by tumor cells which are telomerase negative, do not have telomerase activity or have L1RT expression or alternative lengthening of telomeres. The method includes administering to an individual in need of treatment thereof, and having the aforementioned cancer, a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleoside analog selected from one or more of the group consisting of: 3?-azido-2?,3?-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 2?,3?-dideoxyinosine (ddI) and 2?,3?-didehydro-3?-deoxythymidine (d4T).

Abstract: A reverse transcriptase encoded by L-1 (LINE-1) has been identified as a target molecule for treating or preventing cancers induced or mediated by this molecule. Method of treating or preventing such cancers in patients involves administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition having an inhibitor or antagonist of the reverse transcriptase in cells of the patients. The inhibitor or antagonist blocks lengthening of telomeres in telomerase negative cells. Methods and kits for detecting pathologically proliferating cells expressing L1RT are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reverse transcriptase encoded by L-1 (LINE-1) has been identified as a target molecule for treating or preventing cancers induced or mediated by this molecule. Method of treating or preventing such cancers in patients involves administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition having an inhibitor or antagonist of the reverse transcriptase in cells of the patients. The inhibitor or antagonist blocks lengthening of telomeres in telomerase negative cells. Methods and kits for detecting pathologically proliferating cells expressing L1RT are also disclosed.