Abstract: Derivatives of sphingolipids of the formula: 1

Abstract: Derivatives of sphingolipids of the formula: are provided wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification and wherein there is at least one R2 substituent in the sphingolipid derivative. The compounds are useful in the treatment of of abnormal cell proliferation, including benign and malignant tumors, the promotion of cell differentiation, the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of protein kinase C, and the treatment of inflammatory conditions, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease as well as proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the course of development of plaques in vascular tissue. The invention also includes a method for triggering the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria that includes administering an effective amount of a sphingolipid or its derivative or prodrug to a host in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating urogenital tumors, and in particular, cancer of the prostate, bladder, and kidney, with BCNT, are disclosed. Any boron-containing compound that is sufficiently lipophilic to pass through the appropriate urogenital membranes in a quantity high enough to achieve therapy on irradiation with low-energy neutrons can be used. Carboranyl-containing nucleosides and oligonucleotides are particularly suited for use in BNCT of urogenital tumors. Preferred compounds include 5-carboranyl-2'-deoxyuridine (CDU) and 5-o-carboranyl-1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil (CFAU). Nucleosides and oligonucleotides bearing an -O-?(carboran-1-yl)alkyl!phosphate, S-?(carboran-1-yl)alkyl!phosphorothioate, or Se-?(carboran-1-yl)alkyl!phosphoroselenoate in place of the (carboran-1-yl)phosphonate moiety can be used.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating urogenital tumors, and particular, cancer of the prostate, bladder, and kidney, with BCNT, are disclosed. Any boron-containing compound that is sufficiently lipophilic to pass through the appropriate urogenital membranes in a quantity high enough to achieve therapy on irradiation with low-energy neutrons can be used. Carboranyl-containing nucleosides and oligonucleotides are particularly suited for use in BNCT of urogenital tumors. Preferred compounds include 5-carboranyl-2'-deoxyuridine (CDU) and 5-o-carboranyl-1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil (CFAU). Nucleosides and oligonucleotides bearing an -O-[(carboran-1-yl)alkyl]phosphate, S-[(carboran-1-yl)alkyl]phosphorothioate, or Se-[(carboran-1-yl)alkyl]phosphoroselenoate in place of the (carboran-1-yl)phosphonate moiety can be used.