Abstract: This invention provides for polypeptides that have surprising anti-angiogenic activity. These peptides are derived from Saposin B, a previously known protein involved in the hydrolysis of sphingolipids. In addition, methods of treating mammals with these anti-angiogenic polypeptides are provided, as well as the pharmaceutical compositions used to treat. Furthermore, the polypeptides of this invention can be used in fusion proteins, wherein the fusion proteins also comprise cell targeting or cytotoxic moieties. Also provided is the receptor to which these polypeptides bind.

Abstract: This invention provides for polypeptides that have surprising anti-angiogenic activity. These peptides are derived from Saposin B, a previously known protein involved in the hydrolysis of sphingolipids. In addition, methods of treating mammals with these anti-angiogenic polypeptides are provided, as well as the pharmaceutical compositions used to treat. Furthermore, the polypeptides of this invention can be used in fusion proteins, wherein the fusion proteins also comprise cell targeting or cytotoxic moieties. Also provided is the receptor to which these polypeptides bind.

Abstract: Methods for treating and diagnosing Kaposi's sarcoma are provided. In one embodiment the invention provides a method of treating disease wherein the method comprises modulation of IL-8. The disease to be treated may be a disease such as Kaposi's sarcoma. In one embodiment, the invention comprises administering a therapeutic composition comprising IL-8 antisense oligonucleotides. The invention also provides a method of diagnosing Kaposi's sarcoma wherein the method comprises measuring the expression level of IL-8.

Abstract: This invention provides for polypeptides that have surprising anti-angiogenic activity. These peptides are derived from Saposin B, a previously known protein involved in the hydrolysis of sphingolipids. In addition, methods of treating mammals with these anti-angiogenic polypeptides are provided, as well as the pharmaceutical compositions used to treat. Furthermore, the polypeptides of this invention can be used in fusion proteins, wherein the fusion proteins also comprise cell targeting or cytotoxic moieties. Also provided is the receptor to which these polypeptides bind.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of abnormal proliferation of cells or angiogenesis. More particularly this invention provides VEGF antisense oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells or angiogenesis or combinations thereof. also provided are screening and prognostic assays, as well kits comprising the VEGF antisense oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy mediated oxidative stress elicits both direct tumor cell damage as well as microvascular injury within exposed tumors. Reduction in vascular perfusion associated with PDT mediated microvascular injury produces tumor tissue hypoxia. In a transplantable BA mouse mammary carcinoma, Photofrin mediated PDT induced expression of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1&agr;) subunit of the heterodimeric HIF-1 transcription factor and also increased protein levels of the HIF-1 target gene, vascular endothelial growth factor, within treated tumors. Tumor bearing mice treated with combined anti-angiogenic therapy (IM862 or EMAP-II) and PDT had improved tumoricidal responses compared to individual treatments. PDT induced VEGF expression in tumors decreased when either IM862 or EMAP-II was included in the PDT treatment protocol. Combination procedures using anti-angiogenic treatments improves the therapeutic effectiveness of PDT.

Abstract: A novel method of treating Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in patients, by administration of an effective amount of VEGF antagonist/s. VEGF antagonists are capable of inhibiting the growth of KS cells in culture by inhibiting the production of VEGF, or by interfering with the binding of VEGF to its cognate receptors or interfere with the biological effects of VEGF. The VEGF antagonist may be administered to KS patients topically, orally, or parentally. Other VEGF antagonist such as VEGF antibodies, VEGF receptor antibodies, soluble forms of VEGF receptors that bind VEGF away from the cells, or agents that inhibit the signal of VEGF into the cell such as protein kinase inhibitors etc. can also be used The novel antisense oligonucleotides (Veglin-1 and Veglin-3) may also be used to inhibit VEGF and thus new blood vessel formation in diseases such as tumors, proliferative retinopathy, or collagen vascular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and skin diseases such as pemphigus and psoriasis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods are provided for the treatment of visual loss and other neurological dysfunctions in AIDS patients employing agents capable of blocking TNF expression in the central nervous system.

Abstract: This invention provides for novel dose regimen of paclitaxel to treat Kaposi's sarcoma. Unlike current paclitaxel therapy protocols, the claimed dosages are lower yet surprisingly as effective in regression of KS tumors. In addition, the lower doses are accompanied with fewer incidents of undesired side effects. The effectiveness of low doses of paclitaxel as well as fewer and less debilitating side effects, makes this therapy protocol the first that can be used for long term and as maintenance therapy in the management of patients with Kaposi's sarcoma.