Abstract: Methods of treating cancer using antisense based therapies including antisense oligonucleotides of si RNAs directed against DNA double-strand break repair proteins such as BRCA2 or RAD51 are provided. The antisense based therapies can be used alone, in tandem or in combination with other cancer therapies, in particular with therapies that lead to DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair or inhibition of DNA synthesis, such as radiation, platinum drugs, alkylating agents, PARP inhibitors, or inhibitors of thymidylate synthase.

Abstract: Methods of treating cancer using antisense based therapies including antisense oligonucleotides of si RNAs directed against DNA double-strand break repair proteins such as BRCA2 or RAD51 are provided. The antisense based therapies can be used alone, in tandem or in combination with other cancer therapies, in particular with therapies that lead to DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair or inhibition of DNA synthesis, such as radiation, platinum drugs, alkylating agents, PARP inhibitors, or inhibitors of thymidylate synthase.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides directed to the coding region of a mammalian thymidylate synthase mRNA that are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells without decreasing the level of thymidylate synthase mRNA in the cells are provided. The antisense oligonucleotides are also capable of inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. The antisense oligonucleotides can be used to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Methods of treating cancer, and in particular breast cancer, with the antisense oligonucleotides, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, are also provided.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to sequences in thymidylate synthase (TS) mRNA. In particular the invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides targeted to sequences in the 3? end of TS mRNA, which are both cytostatic on their own when administered to human tumour cell lines, and which also enhance the toxicity of anticancer drugs. The invention further relates to a combination product comprising an antisense oligonucleotide in combination with an anticancer agent such as Tomudex or pemetrexed and to the use of such a combination product in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Effective combinations of antisense agents directed against thymidylate synthase mRNA are provided for use in cancer therapies. Combinations of antisense agents have enhanced activity compared to the activity of the individual antisense agents when used alone. The combinations may be used in conjunction with one or more chemotherapeutic agents to enhance the effects of the chemotherapeutic(s). Such antisense agent combinations constitute improved antisense therapies with application to a variety of cancers or proliferative disorders, including drug resistant cancers.