Abstract: A method for the detection of apoptosis by determining presence, amount, or activity of apoptosis-specific markers released from at least one cell undergoing apoptosis into an extracellular medium through cellular release mechanisms is disclosed. The extracellular medium includes body fluids, in particular urine, inflammatory fluid, serum, liquor, or cell culture medium, wherein samples are preferably taken from humans or animals. The method can be used for the diagnosis and/or for therapy control of diseases and/or processes associated with increased apoptosis. It can also be used for therapy control of diseases associated with decreased apoptosis. Additionally, a method is disclosed for the identification of apoptosis-modulating substances, characterized in that apoptosis-specific markers released from a cell culture sample into an extracellular cell culture medium through cellular release mechanisms are determined.

Abstract: A method for the detection of apoptosis by determining presence, amount, or activity of apoptosis-specific markers released from at least one cell undergoing apoptosis into an extracellular medium through cellular release mechanisms is disclosed. The extracellular medium includes body fluids, in particular urine, inflammatory fluid, serum, liquor, or cell culture medium, wherein samples are preferably taken from humans or animals. The method can be used for the diagnosis and/or for therapy control of diseases and/or processes associated with increased apoptosis. It can also be used for therapy control of diseases associated with decreased apoptosis. Additionally, a method is disclosed for the identification of apoptosis-modulating substances, characterized in that apoptosis-specific markers released from a cell culture sample into an extracellular cell culture medium through cellular release is mechanisms are determined.

Abstract: The present invention is, generally, directed to the use of betulinic acid and derivatives thereof for the treatment of neuroectodermal tumors. The present invention is based on the discovery that betulinic acid and its derivatives are potent anti-neuroectodermal agents. As disclosed herein, betulinic acid and its derivatives are useful for the treatment of neuroectodermal tumors, including, due to its distinct mechanism of action, neuroectodermal tumors that are resistant to conventional chemotherapeutical agents. In addition to the new use of known compounds, the invention discloses novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of neuroectodermal tumors.