Abstract: We have surprisingly discovered that the administration of a G1 and/or S phase drug such as &bgr;-lapachone in combination with a G2/M drug such as a taxane derivative such as paclitaxel resulted in an unexpected greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) reduction in the number of tumors (and tumor volume) as compared with the administration of these agents alone. In addition, no signs of toxicity or weight loss were observed. The present invention relates to a method for treating a mammalian tumor using combinations such as a taxane derivative, preferably paclitaxel, and a &bgr;-lapachone, or a derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: We have surprisingly discovered that the administration of a G1 and/or S phase drug such as &bgr;-lapachone in combination with a G2/M drug such as a taxame derivative such as paclitaxel resulted in an unexpected greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) reduction in the number of tumors (and tumor volume) as compared with the administration of these agents alone. In addition, no signs of toxicity or weight loss were observed. The present invention relates to a method for treating a mammalian tumor using combinations such as a taxane derivative, preferably paclitaxel, and a &bgr;-lapachone, or a derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: Multiple myeloma and other hematologic tumors and/or malignancies can be treated by administration of a G1 and/or S phase drug, which is preferably &bgr;-lapachone, or a derivative or analog thereof, combined with a G2/M phase drug such as a taxane derivative, which is advantageously paclitaxel. This combination of the G1 and/or S phase drug with the G2/M phase drug results in an unexpectedly greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells. The invention includes methods of treating multiple myeloma by administering the combination of the G1 and/or S phase drug and the G2/M phase drug, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the combination of drugs used in these methods, as well as pharmaceutical kits.

Abstract: Multiple myeloma and other hematologic tumors and/or malignancies can be treated by administration of a G1 and/or S phase drug, which is preferably &bgr;-lapachone, or a derivative or analog thereof, combined with a G2/M phase drug such as a taxane derivative, which is advantageously paclitaxel. This combination of the G1 and/or S phase drug with the G2/M phase drug results in an unexpectedly greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells. The invention includes methods of treating multiple myeloma by administering the combination of the G1 and/or S phase drug and the G2/M phase drug, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the combination of drugs used in these methods, as well as pharmaceutical kits.