Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present invention include compounds having the formula: (I), wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C6) alkyl or (C3-C6) cycloalkyl, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C6) alkyl, (C4-C6) cycloalkyl, or taken together with the N atom to which they are attached form a 3-6 membered heterocycloalkyl, and n is 1-5. Embodiments of the present invention also include pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of treating cancer via the administration of such compounds to patients in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful in treating cancer. The compositions include a synergistic combination of an antineoplastic thiol-binding mitochondrial oxidant with an antineoplastic nucleic acid binding agent, an antineoplastic antimetabolite base analog, or docetaxel. Also provided are methods of assaying the synergistic effects of the combinations and methods of treating cancer using the synergistic combinations.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful in treating cancer. The compositions include a synergistic combination of an antineoplastic thiol-binding mitochondrial oxidant with an antineoplastic nucleic acid binding agent, an antineoplastic antimetabolite base analog, or docetaxel. Also provided are methods of assaying the synergistic effects of the combinations and methods of treating cancer using the synergistic combinations.

Abstract: A method for treating pre-cancerous conditions including non-cancerous lesions and non-invasive carcinoma insitu, in cutaneous, and muco-cutaneous regions of the body includes topical application of combinations containing alpha-DFMO and an anti-inflammatory agent selected from the group comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or a combination thereof. The conditions which may be topically treated with the combination of the present invention include actinic keratoses, vulvar neoplasia, and pre-cancerous conditions of the lip, nostrils, nails, and anus. In one case, the topical steroid triamcinolone is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a second case, the topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory diclofenac is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a third instance, both triamcinolone and diclofenac are combined with the alpha-DFMO.

Abstract: Topical alpha-DFMO is mixed with a hydrophillic ointment base, along with at least one additional active drug, for treating actinic keratoses by topical application to human skin tissues. In one case, the topical steroid triamcinolone is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a second case, the topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory diclofenac is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a third instance, both triamcinolone and diclofenac are combined with the alpha-DFMO. In all such instances, topical application of such combinations was found to inhibit squamous cell cancer, and the combined effect of such components, when selected in appropriate proportions, in inhibiting squamous cell cancer cells is significantly greater than the effectiveness of each such component by itself.

Abstract: Topical alpha-DFMO is mixed with a hydrophillic ointment base, along with at least one additional active drug, for treating actinic keratoses by topical application to human skin tissues. In one case, the topical steroid triamcinolone is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a second case, the topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory diclofenac is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a third instance, both triamcinolone and diclofenac are combined with the alpha-DFMO. In all such instances, topical application of such combinations was found to inhibit squamous cell cancer, and the combined effect of such components, when selected in appropriate proportions, in inhibiting squamous cell cancer cells is significantly greater than the effectiveness of each such component by itself.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel anti-cancer compounds of the formula. wherein X is CN, R4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; and R5 is lower alkyl, lower cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, monosubstituted aryl, disubstituted aryl, aryl lower alkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl lower alkyl, or heterocyclic ring, with the proviso that when X is CN, and R4 is hydrogen, then R5 is not CH3, C6H5, or, p-nitrophenyl. R4, R5 and N taken together form a heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes a hollow needle having a first end and a sharpened tip at a second end. A catheter having a blunt end is telescopically received in the needle. A catheter hub is attached to the catheter and spaced from the blunt end. The catheter hub is disposed adjacent the needle hub in an elastomeric housing. A method of inserting a catheter in a patient's vein includes a step of providing a catheter apparatus in which the elastomeric housing biases the hubs, needle, and catheter in a rest position in which the catheter protrudes from the tip of the needle. The method also includes the steps of squeezing the housing to displace the catheter hub relative to the needle hub, causing the tip of the needle to protrude beyond the blunt end of the catheter, inserting the needle and catheter in the patients's vein, and releasing the housing to allow the catheter assembly to return to the rest position.

Abstract: A method for treating palmar-plantar erythrodysethesia syndrome includes applying to affected areas a therapeutically effective amount of a dimethyl sulfoxide solution.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and a kit for deactivating spills or leaks of HIV infected blood or anticancer drugs by applying to the leak or spill an aqueous solution containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. In order to thicken the aqueous solution and thus keep it from spreading beyond its intended area of application, the solution of calcium hypochlorite contains methylcellulose. In addition to chemically deactivating the active anticancer drug, the solution of the invention also effectively decolorizes it, thus preventing permanent stains on any surface or fabric with which the anticancer drug comes into contact.

Abstract: A salve includes a water-miscible, hydrophilic cream vehicle, 1-22% by weight a-DFMO, and no absorption enhancer. The salve is preferably contained in an ointment tube permanently sealed at one end to preclude exposure to light and air. The salve is applied as a preventative in an appropriate amount twice daily to skin exposed to actinic radiation. An initial application of a salve including 10% by weight A-DFMO is preferred to minimize the risk of skin irritation without compromising the therapeutic value of the salve. The salve shows no systemic uptake, thereby eliminating systemic toxicities that result from other techniques for administering the drug.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and a kit for deactivating spills or leaks of HIV infected blood or anticancer drugs by applying to the leak or spill an aqueous solution containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. In order to thicken the aqueous solution and thus keep it from spreading beyond its intended area of application, the solution of calcium hypochlorite contains methylcellulose. In addition to chemically deactivating the active anticancer drug, the solution of the invention also effectively decolorizes it, thus preventing permanent stains on any surface or fabric with which the anticancer drug comes into contact.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compound useful for the treatment of tumors having the formula: ##STR1##

Abstract: A needle assembly comprises a needle having a sharp point encased within and movable with respect to a sheath having a blunt end. A hub attached to the sheath has a recess therein for receiving a compressible member carried by an end of the needle having a collar thereon for engaging the compressible member. The compressible member retracts the point of the needle into the interior of the sheath to prevent contact of the point by user of the needle. When the needle assembly is attached to a syringe, or other instrument, the collar of the needle is engaged by a portion of the syringe and moved to compress the compressible member and expose the point of the needle for use.

Abstract: An aspiration device for delivering a controlled dosage of a drug to a smoker's mouth and lungs comprises an elongated container adapted to be positioned within a cigarette or other smoking article adjacent the end intended to be held in the smoker's mouth. The container holds a supply of a drug which is aspirated directly into the smoker's mouth as a result of the suction applied by the smoker to the end of the cigarette. An air inlet port communicates with the outer surface of the cigarette and permits air to enter the container in response to the partial vacuum created by the applied suction. The drug held within the container is discharged through an exit orifice thereof which is coplanar with the end of the cigarette, so that mixing of the drug with the tobacco smoke occurs within the mouth of the smoker, at reduced temperature and lower smoke concentration.

Abstract: A venipunture or similar infusion device comprises a blunt-ended catheter telescopically received in a sharp-tipped hollow needle, the catheter and needle being connected respectively to associated hubs which are spring-biased toward each other. In passive condition, with the hubs substantially in contact, the blunt end of the catheter protrudes from the sharp tip of the needle. For insertion of the device into a vein or other tissue, a wedge attached to one of the hubs is manipulated to wedge the hubs, and the catheter and needle attached thereto, a sufficient distance apart to cause the sharp tip of the needle to protrude beyond the blunt end of the catheter. After insertion, release of the wedge permits the spring to return the hubs to passive condition, with the blunt end of the catheter protruding from the sharp tip of the needle. Thus, during the indwelling period, the sharp tip of the needle is effectively covered and can do no damage to a vein or other tissue in which it is inserted.