Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating a mammalian subject having renal cancer by administration of certain dimethylsulfonate compounds, such as a 4-[bis[2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl]amino]-benzaldehyde. The present invention further features administration protocols and dosing schedules for methods of treating patients having renal cancer and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the treatment methods provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel approaches to thyroid cancer therapy. These approaches include methods to enhance thyroid specific gene expression, for example methods to enhance expression of thyroglobulin and/or the Na+/I− symporter in thyroid cancer cells. Enhanced expression of thyroid-specific genes promotes cellular differentiation and reduces biologically aggressive behavior such as invasion and metastasis. In addition, enhanced expression of thyroglobulin and/or the Na+/I31 symporter increases the ability of thyroid cancer cells to concentrate iodine or iodide, thereby making the cells more susceptible to radioactive iodine therapy. Also disclosed herein are methods for detecting thyroid neoplasms in a subject, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, administering a detectable agent whose uptake or concentration in thyroid cells is increased by administration of the histone deacetylase inhibitor, and detecting the detectable agent.