ANTI-ESTROGEN AND IMMUNE MODULATOR COMBINATIONS FOR TREATING BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Compositions for treating cancers of mucosal tissues including breast, prostate, ovary, colon are disclosed which include various combinations of new or conventional anti-estrogen compounds, aromatase inhibitors, immune modulators, immune inhibitors, immune inhibitor mimicking compounds and steroid or thyroid hormones. Methods of predicting susceptibility of a cancer of mucosal origin to treatment with a composition containing an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound are also disclosed. Preferred methods include identifying in a specimen of cancer cells the presence of a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of binding to an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound and of mediating immune inhibition of cancer cell growth.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/332,801 filed Nov. 14, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Nos. 09/852,958 and 09/852,547, both filed May 10, 2001, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Research leading to the present invention was supported in part by the federal government under Grant Nos. DAMD17-94-J-4473, DAMD17-98-1-8337 and DAMD17-99-19405 awarded by the Defense Department through the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Breast Cancer Research Program. The United States government may have certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions for the use of tamoxifen and other anti-estrogenic compounds in combination with immune modulator agents (immunoglobulin inhibitors of estrogen responsive cancer cell growth), to treat or prevent breast cancer.

2. Description of Related Art

In 1896, a British physician named Beatson reported that öophorectomy had palliative effects for breast cancer patients (1). In 1905, Lett confirmed this observation with a larger patient trial (2). Clearly ovarian products were either directly or indirectly significant in breast cancer growth. From these earliest clinical observations, chemical and endocrine research continued and culminated in the identification of the primary ovarian/follicular agents responsible. The active agents proved to be a class of cholesterol derived steroid hormones now designated estrogens. In 1929 and 1930, Doisy and colleagues crystallized estrogens including estrone [3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one] (E₁) from human pregnancy urine (3,12). Estradiol-17β[estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3, 17β-diol] (E₂ ) was also isolated from sow follicular fluid (4). The remaining major estrogen, estriol [1,3,5-estratriene-3, 16 α, 17 β-triol] (E₃) has also been defined.

The relative potency of these three hormones is known today to be E₂>E₁>>>>E₃ (5). With regard to breast cancer cell growth, E₂ and E₁ are in the main considered the most physiologically relevant (6-9). Estriol is most likely relevant during pregnancy when the maternal plasma level is significantly elevated (10). During pregnancy, maternal E₃ is formed primarily as a placental conversion product of a steroid produced by the fetal adrenals. Breast cancers are not uncommon during pregnancy (18,22-25). However, all three estrogens are increased in pregnancy (10). In pregnant women, breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage (18). It may be that the elevated hormones during this time cause growth of developing breast cancer cells in pregnant females (19). Clearly, however, pregnancy has opposing effects on breast cancer development. On the one hand the increase in hormones can promote cancer cell growth (35). On the other hand, pregnancy and high hormones induce tissue differentiation that ultimately protects the tissue (20,21). Apparently the elevated estrogen levels in pregnancy explain the transient increase in short-term risk of breast cancer following term pregnancy (19). The results of several studies indicate that all three of the estrogenic steroid hormones (i.e. E₂, E₁ and E₃) are important in breast cancer risk in humans (26-28).

The biosynthesis and metabolism of estrogens and estrogen-related steroid hormones has been reviewed (11). The majority of plasma E₂ and E₁ is synthesized and secreted by cells of the ovarian follicle (29,30). The biochemical synthetic pathway begins with conversion of cholesterol to progesterone, followed by modification of the progestin to form androgens or androgen-like steroids. To form all three types of estrogen, the cholesterol origin “A” ring of “androgens” must be converted to a phenolic structure by the action of aromatases. These key enzymes in the biosynthesis of estrogens are located in the endoplasmic reticulum of ovarian cells.

Estrogens undergo a variety of metabolic transformations including hyroxylations, methylations and reduction. Also, the estrogens are converted to more water-soluble, biologically inactive, glucuronide and sulfate conjugates by the liver. The conjugates are excreted into urine and bile. Earlier studies indicated that estrogen conjugates (e.g. estrone sulfate) might serve as sources of free estrogen in breast cancer cells possessing the appropriate cleaving enzyme(s) to form free steroid (31). More recent work (32-34) indicates this is unlikely, based on tissue culture studies with eight different ER⁺ cell lines. Estrogen sulfates and glucuronides are cleaved by intestinal flora to regenerate free estrogens that again appear in the plasma and urine via the enterohepatic circulation (36). A high fiber-low fat diet tends to decrease this process. Other intestinal microbial processes also convert inactive estrogen metabolites to active steroid hormones (37). Thus, recycling of estrogens is entirely possible.

However, the sites of synthesis of estrogenic substances in the body are not limited to the ovary (13). While it is understood with premenopausal women that estrogens are primarily of ovarian origin, this is not the case in postmenopausal females (38-41). The question is “what is the origin(s) of estrogens in the postmenopausal female”? This is important because breast cancer rates are much higher in postmenopausal women (42) even though estrogen levels are declining Nonetheless, 80 or 90% of breast cancers in postmenopausal women are ER⁺ (43), implying they are estrogen growth promoted. This paradox can be explained in part by the suggestion that postmenopausal women with higher risk of developing breast cancer show relatively higher concentrations of endogenous estradiol (44). Also, it is now very clear that adrenal androgenic steroids can be converted to estrogens via the action of aromatases located in mammalian tissues (45). Its activity provides a significant portion of the plasma estrogens even in postmenopausal women (38-41). Aromatase activity has a broad tissue distribution in mammals (45). However, in human women after menopause, adipose tissue is the primary source of endogenous estrogens (46,47). Indeed, obesity is positively correlated with breast cancer (48). Also, aromatase is present in breast tissue and cells and represents an “intracrine” source of stimulating steroid hormone (49). Because of the major role of aromatase in generating breast cancer promoting estrogens in postmenopausal women, a series of aromatase inhibitors has been developed and are now in use as pharmaceutical products or are in and clinical trials as breast cancer treatments (41).

The question of how estrogens regulate target tissue gene expression and growth is of great consequence to this discussion. In 1962, Jensen & Jacobsen (14) came to the conclusion that estrogens acted on sex steroid hormone target tissues via specific cellular receptors. By 1972 to 1974, this research was sufficiently advanced to outline the mechanisms of estrogen action as mediated by an intracellular receptor (15-17). For several years, intense study has proceeded and has been reported in nearly 20 thousand publications (PubMed literature search of “estrogen receptors”). In 1986, the molecular cloning of the original estrogen receptor, now designated ERα, was reported (50,51). This 64-kDalton protein is functionally and structurally related to other receptors and has been classified as a member of the steroid and thyroid hormone superfamily (52). Today, these similar receptors include those for androgens, corticosteroids, progestins, thyroid hormones, vitamin D and retinoic acid.

Although for several years ERα was acknowledged as the only estrogen receptor, variants of it were being identified (55,56). However, in 1995, another type of estrogen receptor, designated ERβ, was cloned from a rat prostate and ovary (57). This initiated a boom of new activity to define the function and properties of ERβ (58,60,61). Indeed, the results suggest that the role of estrogens in male accessory organ function deserves renewed study (58). The characteristics and properties of ERα versus ERβ have been reviewed (58,61,63). For the purposes of this disclosure, it should be noted that the binding affinities of both receptors are approximately equal (61). This was expected. However, one startling fact has surfaced. Mice gene knockout experiments for both ERα (62) and ERβ (60) have confirmed developmental functions for both of these receptors, but have fallen short of providing conclusive evidence that either receptor regulates growth (58). In fact, transfection of ER⁻ cells with a functional ERα led to an estrogen-induced inhibition of cell growth (59). There is a possibility that ERα is a receptor regulating expression of differentiated functions. It is well recognized that growth and differentiation are opposing cell functional states. Differentiated cells divide only slowly if at all. This issue has been reviewed in detail in recent U.S. patent application Nos. 09/852,547 and 09/852,958 and in International Patent Application Nos. PCT/US01/15171 (WO 01/86307) and PCT/US01/15183 (WO 01/85210), also identified in the list of References, below, as items 53 and 54, and hereby incorporated herein by reference). This led to the proposal in those applications that there is another growth regulating estrogen receptor, tentatively designated ERγ (53,54).

The characteristics of ERγ are that it binds estrogens with 10 to 100-fold higher affinities than ERα or ERβ. Furthermore, it is proposed that this receptor is a new gene that is expressed in all estrogen growth responsive target tissues. Data obtained indicate that this receptor is present in eight well-known estrogen responsive tumor cell lines derived from four tissues and three species including human (32-34,53,54).

However, there exist potential alternatives regarding the identity of ERγ. Investigators have cloned two ERα-like “orphan receptors” with unknown functions (64,65). Other forms of estrogen receptors appear to arise as gene product splice variants (58,66). Those with major deletions of the hormone binding domain or the DNA binding domain may be expected to be inactive with respect to estrogen induced growth of breast cancer cells. The function of most of the other types of known variants remains to be established.

Another potentially significant variant has been identified. It is a point mutation that affects the border of the hinge-hormone-binding domains (67). This mutation was found in 34% of a series of 59 specimens of premalignant hyperplasia. Transfection of this mutated ERα caused MCF-7 human breast cancer cells to respond to lower concentrations of estrogen in culture. The full implications of this mutation await more study, but it is clear from the results available at this time, and those presented in the above-identified patent applications (53,54) and other recent publications (32-34), that MCF-7 as well as T47D and ZR-75-1 ER⁺ breast cancer cells respond to very low concentrations of E₂ even without transfection of the mutated ERα. It may be possible that the hypersensitive mutated receptor (67) is present in all ER⁺ cell types including those from rat mammary and rat pituitary tumors as well as from estrogen-induced kidney tumor cells from Syrian hamster (32-34). This means that a specific mechanism must exist for formation of this receptor in target tissue cells, or that this receptor is derived from a new gene. The latter possibility implies that the response of ER⁺ cells to very low concentrations of E₂ involves the proposed new ERγ (53,54).

The currently available knowledge about estrogen function and estrogen receptors has led to one of the most common treatments for disseminated and/or local ER⁺ breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Today, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are the compounds of choice (68). The mechanism of action of these drugs is to block the growth promoting action of estrogens at the cellular/receptor level, no matter whether the sex steroid hormones are delivered systemically or formed locally in breast tissue via aromatase action on adrenal steroid precursors. Hence, these drugs are classified as anti-estrogens. As a general mechanism of action, anti-estrogens are thought to interfere with the binding of natural estrogens to the growth promoting estrogen receptor(s).

The first potent anti-estrogen developed 1958 was MER-25 or ethamoxytriphetol (76). It then was used to derive clomiphene (77) which is now used to treat amenorrhea. Clomiphene was then modified to give rise to tamoxifen (78). Although several anti-estrogens have been developed, only two are currently FDA approved for treatment of human breast cancer. These are tamoxifen and toremifene. These, and idoxifene and droloxifene, are triphenylethylene derivatives. Notably, the toremifene structure differs from tamoxifen by only a single chlorine atom (69). Since its approval in 1977, tamoxifen has been the SERM of choice for treatment of ER⁺ breast cancer worldwide (70). Tamoxifen is classified as a “mixed” anti-estrogen because it displays both antagonistic properties (i.e. inhibits breast cancer cell growth) and agnostic properties (i.e. stimulates endometrial cell growth and tumor development) (71).

The action of the anti-estrogens is reversed by lower concentrations of the natural estrogens (53,54). The affinity of tamoxifen for the estrogen receptor is 10 to 100-fold less than that of E₂. This is commonly recognized throughout the endocrine cancer field. It is therefore useful to suppress natural estrogens along with application of tamoxifen treatment. This fact is often not recognized clinically. Postmenopausal women are not completely devoid of estrogens. Tamoxifen effectiveness is reduced by residual estrogenic steroid hormones. It is also reduced by the tamoxifen induced elevation of DHEA, E₂ and E₁ (81-83). This is an unfortunate side effect of using this drug alone.

One of the commonly cited facts concerning tamoxifen is that it acts at cellular sites separate from the estrogen receptor. It is known to influence such cellular activities as protein kinase C as well as several other cellular mechanisms including those related to apoptosis (72). Although non-steroid hormone receptor directed actions are usually considered undesirable, certain very recent co-owned patent disclosures (53,54) describe targeting a non-steroid hormone receptor with new drug combinations whose actions are based on anti-estrogen augmentation/mimicking of the inhibition of growth of ER⁺ breast cancer cells by the immunoglobulins IgA and IgM of the natural secretory immune system. As described (53,54), the secretory immune system acts as a paracrine negative regulator of ER⁺ breast cancer cell growth. Employing new serum-free defined culture assay methods (53,54), tamoxifen was shown to mimic the inhibition caused by IgA or IgM in the complete absence of estrogens. This new tamoxifen function represents a clear departure from previous thought concerning how this “mixed function” anti-estrogen acts. Previously, other investigators had reported that tamoxifen inhibited growth factor dependent proliferation of human breast cancer cells in cultures devoid of estrogens and estrogen-like agents (73). However, there was no indication at that time that this anti-estrogen was capable of acting by mimicking the growth inhibitory effects of the natural secretory immune system immunoglobulins IgA, IgM and IgG1.

Another class of anti-estrogens is defined as “pure” because they only affect growth via interaction with estrogen receptors (71). The pure anti-estrogens were discovered about 15 years ago (74). Currently, five compounds are under intense investigation (71). They are abbreviated ICI 164384, ICI 182780, EM-800, RU 58688 and EM-139 (71). Two of these, ICI 164384 and ICI 182780 are in clinical trials. Because tamoxifen resistance develops with time (75), the pure anti-estrogens are thought to be useful as second-line therapies after tamoxifen failure (71). Furthermore, pure anti-estrogens are thought useful because they cause no increase in endometrial cancer (71).

However, the pure anti-estrogens have marked deleterious effects on the cardiovascular and skeletal systems (71), and their usefulness is yet to be established. There remains a need for effective anti-estrogens and for combination therapies of tamoxifen or tamoxifen-like drugs and the “pure” anti-estrogens that may be more effective than either class of drug alone.

SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

New compositions and methods are provided which advantageously employ compounds having a newly defined immune modulating function, or which have the ability to mimic that immune modulating function, or a combination of such compounds. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “immune mimic,” “immune modulating,” “immune modulator,” “immune modulation,” “immune control,” “immune inhibition,” “immune suppressor,” and the like, refer in most instances to the newly identified cancer cell growth (i.e., proliferation) inhibitory effect of the secretory immune system (i.e., dimeric/polymeric IgA and pentameric IgM) that is mediated by a newly identified Poly-Ig receptor or Poly-Ig-like receptor (also classified as an Fc-like receptor), and not to the usual antibody/antigen recognition based immune function of the immune system. In this context, the terms “immune modulation” or “immune enhancement” refer especially to the modulation or enhancement of these cell growth inhibitory immunoglobulins of the secretory immune system. The term “immune mimic” refers to a substance (e.g., tamoxifen) that can function in a similar manner to an immunoglobulin inhibitor of cell growth. In some instances, however, reference is also made herein to “natural immune inhibition,” “immune enhancer,” “immune modulator,” “immune system,” “immune therapy,” and “immune response,” and the like, in which the conventional meanings of those terms are intended and the context so indicates, especially when prior art methods, compounds and compositions are described. Hereinafter, an indication has been made in appropriate instances whether a conventional definition or the “new” meaning, or both, is intended.

In some aspects of the present invention, tamoxifen is used as a breast cancer treatment taking advantage of its newly identified function as an immune mimic instead of an anti-estrogen. That tamoxifen is a mixed anti-estrogen is well known. It not only binds to cellular estrogen receptors, but it also has other unrelated sites of cellular action. This new function for tamoxifen makes possible new combination therapies as well as new diagnostic methods to determine whether breast or other mucosal origin cancers are expected to be susceptible to these therapies. It is concluded that combination therapies of tamoxifen and the “pure” anti-estrogens may be more effective than either class of drug alone.

Tamoxifen treatment alone has several positive aspects as well as a number of negatives. The negatives can be overcome by placing this well known anti-estrogen in combinations with other compounds. The preferred combinations represent those that permit the mixture to act more effectively than the individual component alone. The combinations may include two or more breast cancer treatment drugs, some of which are classified as “pure” anti-estrogens while others are defined as immune modulators.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, a new tamoxifen-based therapeutic method is provided, in which tamoxifen acts as an immune inhibitor mimic (“immune mimic”). The method preferably includes employing a new diagnostic test to identify breast cancer cells expressing the inhibitor-mediating receptor (a Poly-Ig receptor or Poly-Ig like receptor), also classified as an Fc-like receptor, as an indication of sensitivity to cell growth inhibition by tamoxifen.

In accordance with another embodiment, the above-described tamoxifen therapy and diagnostic testing method is extended to mucosal cancers other than breast, including those of the prostate, colon, kidney, bladder, lung, pancreas, nasopharynx, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix.

In still other embodiments, combinations of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are employed to treat breast and gynecologic cancers. In some embodiments, tamoxifen and a “pure” anti-estrogen compound are combined for treating breast and gynecologic cancers.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide compositions or therapeutic methods using chemically modified MER-25 to treat secretory immune system related cancers. In some embodiments, MER-25 or modified MER-25 is combined with progesterone or another hormone for treating breast cancer. Modified MER-25 or derivative compounds of MER-25 that may have satisfactory anti-estrogenic or immune mimicking activity include methylated, alkylated, benzylated, halogenated, unsaturations, altered charge properties, and conformationally altered or stereoisomers of MER-25.

In certain embodiments, combinations of tamoxifen and levamisole are used as an immune mimic and immune modulator to treat breast and other mucosal cancers, including colon cancer. In certain embodiments, combinations of tamoxifen and imiquimod are used as an immune mimic and immune modulator to treat breast and other mucosal cancers. In certain embodiments, tamoxifen and OK-432 (picibanil) are used as an immune mimic and immune modulator to treat breast and other mucosal cancers.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide compositions or therapeutic methods employing a combination of tamoxifen and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) as an immune mimic and immune modulator to treat breast and other mucosal cancers. In certain embodiments, a therapeutic method is provided in which tamoxifen and an Fc-like receptor gene therapy are used together to treat breast and other mucosal cancers.

In still other embodiments of the invention, methods are provided for identifying anti-estrogenic compounds or for evaluating modified forms of existing compounds that might be more effective anti-estrogenic agents. These methods employ cell growth assays that, preferably, use certain serum-containing or serum-free media. In some embodiments, methods are provided for screening new compounds and for determining how combinations of compounds act on cells directly. These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Example 1

Tamoxifen Therapy and New Diagnostic Test for Immune Modulation Applications with Breast Cancer.

Co-pending U.S. patent application Nos. 09/852,958 and 09/852,547/PCT Published Application Nos. WO 01/86307 and WO 01/85210 establish that tamoxifen mimics the cell growth inhibitory actions of the secretory immune system immunoglobulins IgA and IgM (53,54). The disclosures of those applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The immunoglobulin action is mediated by a Poly-Ig receptor or a Poly-Ig-like receptor (also classified as an Fc-like receptor) that is identified by antibody raised against the extracellular five domains commonly called the “secretory component” (SC) (86). Those breast cancer cells expressing this Fc-like receptor are sensitive to inhibition by tamoxifen. Those cells not expressing the Fc-like receptor are not tamoxifen sensitive. Because the analysis can be done in completely serum-free defined medium (53,54) without estrogens, it is concluded that tamoxifen acts to mimic the Fc-like receptor mediated inhibition of cell growth by secretory immune system IgA and IgM. Using immunohistochemical analysis methods (88), breast cancer specimens will be examined for SC positive receptors. It has already been demonstrated that this methodology will identify breast cancers at the early stage when they are expressing an SC detectable receptor (87). These tumors are candidates for immune mimicking regulation. Those tumors that are Fc-like receptor positive are candidates for tamoxifen therapy or combined therapy with tamoxifen and the other agents described below. As a specific test is developed to detect the ERγ, the use of double label fluorescence will permit very accurate determination of patients that are strong candidates for the therapies described.

It is expected that tamoxifen inhibits breast cancer cell growth not by interaction with the commonly recognized ERα or ERβ but instead with the ERγ (53,54). The direct histochemical measurement of ERγ is expected to significantly increase the reliability of the decision to initiate anti-estrogen therapy. Further, the identification of ERγ will permit reanalysis of existing and new compounds for anti-ERγ activity. This approach can be expected to significantly advance how new SERMs are selected.

Example 2

Tamoxifen Therapy and New Diagnostic Test for Immune Modulation Applications with other Mucosal Cancers including Prostate, Colon, Kidney, Bladder Lung, Pancreas, Nasopharynx, Ovarian, Endometrial, Vaginal and Cervical Cancer.

The analysis outlined in Example 1 will be used to determine the application of the tamoxifen-based therapies to tumors arising from other mucosal tissues. Since the same secretory immune system is functional in all of the tissues (prostate, colon, kidney, bladder, lung, pancreas, nasopharynx, ovary, endometrium, vagina and cervix), the immunohistochemical analysis for SC detectable Fc-like receptor can be conducted. It has already been shown (89) that colon cancers progress through stages in which the SC is expressed (i.e. early differentiated tumors) to stages in which there is little or no detectable SC (i.e. late malignancy stage). Tamoxifen and/or the combinations described will be used to treat Fc-like receptor positive (FcLR⁺) tumors by the new protocols. This new approach is expected to provide an expanded rationale for the use of tamoxifen to treat cancers not yet recognized as sensitive to this immune mimicking anti-estrogen. Further, as a test for ERγ is developed, it can be used to further refine the tumor types susceptible to the new modes of tamoxifen combination therapies.

Example 3

Combinations of Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors to Treat Breast and Gynecologic Cancers.

It is proposed that simultaneous treatment with aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen will be more effective than either drug alone. The therapeutic potential of this new combination is all the more significant in view of the fact that aromatase inhibitors do not completely inhibit estrogen synthesis. An unfortunate side effect of tamoxifen treatment is that it increases the concentration of estrogens in the plasma, which will have a marked effect on reducing the potency of tamoxifen as an anti-estrogen. The simultaneous use of aromatase inhibitors is expected to suppress this estrogen inductive effect and therefore may help to resolve the problem of escape of tumors from tamoxifen inhibition. In conventional therapies, tamoxifen resistance is currently thought to be a major problem with longer-term tamoxifen treatment. As additional tumor types beyond breast are identified as tamoxifen sensitive (e.g. endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, cervical and possibly prostate), the combined tamoxifen-aromatase inhibitor therapy will have even broader application than is recognized today for either drug.

Example 4

Combinations of Tamoxifen and Pure Anti-estrogens to Treat Breast and Gynecologic Cancers.

The negative aspect of the current “pure” anti-estrogens discussed above is that they deplete the body of estrogen action so effectively that there are major cardiovascular and skeletal problems. However, by using the combination of tamoxifen and the “pure” anti-estrogens, the agonist action of tamoxifen can be expected to reduce this problem without supplying unwanted natural estrogens. Tamoxifen has positive effects on both the cardiovascular system and bone. Furthermore, it is expected that this combination will also reduce the problem of induction of endometrial cancers thought today to be a problem with the use of tamoxifen alone. Hence, the combination reduces major negative aspects seen with each drug alone. The balance of the two components can be varied to achieve specific end points.

Example 5

Use of Chemically Modified MER-25 to Treat Secretory Immune System Related Cancers.

MER-25 is an anti-estrogen by virtue of its inhibitory effects on estrogen target tissues. It also has the benefit that it does not interact with the estrogen receptor to accomplish its action (79). The advantage of MER-25 (or its modified forms) is that systemic or locally produced estrogens will not interfere. Thus, it can be used with ER⁺ pre- and postmenopausal women without concern for suppression of endogenous estrogen levels. The results available support the present suggestion that MER-25 may mimic the immune activity of IgA and IgM even more strongly than tamoxifen.

Early anti-estrogens such as MER-25 were by-passed by previous investigators because of their potency and adverse side effects. Although MER-25 has many desirable properties as an anti-estrogen, it has been reported to be too toxic for use in humans (78). However, if MER-25 and related compounds can be modified to achieve high levels of immune modulation without the serious side effects, this will open additional new avenues of breast cancer therapy.

Accordingly, the chemical structure will be modified particularly in the O—C—C—N segment of the side chain to change the conformation and to prevent hydrogen bonding with neighboring hydroxyl groups (80). Only limited modifications in MER-25 have been sought (84). Other chemical changes in the structure are expected to attenuate the side effects considered most severe. Computer based molecular modeling will be used to develop the chemical modifications. The modifications are expected to include, for example, methylation, halogenation, unsaturations, alterations on charged groups, changes in conformation and selection of stable stereoisomers of the MER-25 structure. The chemically modified forms will be evaluated for anti-estrogenic activity using both the serum-containing and serum-free assay methods described in co-owned U.S. and PCT patent applications (53,54), incorporated herein by reference. This is a rapid and effective method of determining when a derivative has been obtained that still retains the desired potency against estrogen target cells in culture but cannot be reversed by exogenous estrogens in culture. Those that are effective under the strict tests outlined (53,54) will be tested for in vivo anti-tumor activity using rat mammary and pituitary models as well as with xenografts of human breast cancer cell lines in athymic nude mice.

Example 6

Combinations of MER-25 and Modified MER-25 with Progesterone and other Hormones.

The undesirable side effects of MER-25 and chemically modified forms may also be attenuated by simultaneous treatment with progesterone. In other studies, it has been shown that eating behavior and body weight regulation are affected by MER-25 (85). The administration of progesterone in rats corrected those side effects. Thus, at least some adverse properties in vivo may be due to altered hormonal influences. Administration of MER-25, and derivative compounds, will be evaluated for causation of endocrine changes. Any changes identified will be corrected by simultaneous application of the appropriate hormone(s). MER-25 or one of its derivatives may influence, for example, pituitary hormone secretion, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones and/or neurogenic amines. Cytokines are also included in this group. Such changes are expected to yield the severe side effects reported (78). Accordingly, a hormone derived from pituitary, adrenals or thyroid, or a cytokine or a neurogenic hormone may be administered together with MER-25 or a modified form of MER-25 to deter the occurrence of side effects from the drug.

Example 7

Combination Tamoxifen and Levamisole as Immune Mimic and Immune Modulator to Treat Breast and Other Mucosal Cancers including Colon.

Levamisole is known to be immunoregulatory at multiple levels (90). It is known to enhance an impaired immune system (91). Levamisole is currently used to treat Stage III colon cancer, and is recognized to be an immunostimulant, in the conventional sense, to assist the natural immune system (92). Drawing from the inventor's prior observations that increased secretory immunoglobulins IgA and IgM are not only cytostatic for breast cancer cells, but also cytotoxic, therapies that enhance immune function, increasing the presence of these secretory immunoglobulins in particular, are thus expected to be beneficial. It has been shown by others that a general elevation of the immune system by levamisole can retard colon cancer, but is not completely effective. The addition of tamoxifen is expected to enhance cancer cell death via apoptosis mechanisms. The diagnostic test for SC outlined above can be used to decide which patients should receive a combined levamisole/tamoxifen therapy.

Together, the combination of levamisole and tamoxifen for breast cancer is expected to have effects beyond that achievable with each compound alone. Levamisole will enhance the natural immune inhibition of breast cancer growth while tamoxifen offers an additional direct cellular effect. This combination approaches therapy from two different aspects of regulation. The use of levamisole to treat breast cancer is a new application, particularly when placed in combination with tamoxifen. Other components of preferred therapeutic compositions include aromatase inhibitors and/or “pure” anti-estrogens.

Example 8

Combination Tamoxifen and Imiquimod as Immune Mimic and Immune Modulator to Treat Breast and Other Mucosal Cancers.

Imiquimod is a conventional immune enhancer that is effective both as a topical preparation and when administered orally (93,94). The known use of this compound in breast cancer therapy is based on the action of interferon which is induced by imiquimod. The drug alone has only limited long term effects. Imiquimod therapy is expected to be highly effective in combination with an anti-estrogen such as tamoxifen or a new MER-25 derivative. The elevation of interferon affects the immune system as well as having potential effects directly on breast cancer cells. The addition of tamoxifen is expected to enhance any effects of interferon. This combination has three possible cytostatic/cytotoxic modes. First is the direct effect of the anti-estrogen. Second is an immune enhancing action of imiquimod, which is expected to include enhancement of the secretory immunoglobulin inhibitors of cancer cell growth. Third is the direct cytotoxic effect of interferon. This modality may be enhanced by measurement of the interferon receptor in breast specimens along with the Fc-like receptor.

Example 9

Combination Tamoxifen and OK-432 (Picibanil) as Immune Mimic and Immune Modulator to Treat Breast and Other Mucosal Cancers.

Ok-432 (Picibanil) is a streptococcal preparation that has a strong immune modulating effect (95), employing the conventional meaning of “immune modulating,” which generally refers to the antibody/antigen recognition function of the immune system. The active moiety of this preparation has not been identified. This preparation cannot be delivered orally. It has been used in breast cancer as intratumor injections (96). In those prior studies, the results were mixed but additional results from cell culture suggest that a combination with an anti-estrogen may have greater effect than OK-432 alone (97). Another route to administration of OK-432 is intrapleural administration, which was evaluated as a treatment for breast malignancy in pleural effusions (98). The results of the conventional immune therapy alone on disseminated breast cancer were encouraging. It is now proposed that the combination of OK-432 with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor will provide additional benefits and have anti-cancer effects beyond those that could have previously been predicted for OK-432 and tamoxifen. The role of OK-432 may be direct on tumor cells, or may involve a critical conventional immune response that then suppresses tumor cell growth. An additional possible use of this preparation may be as an oral challenge to develop mucosal immunity as described (53,54). This route of administration and development of mucosal immunity represents an entirely new approach to the use of this immune modulator.

Example 10

Combination Tamoxifen and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) as Immune Mimic and Immune Modulator to Treat Breast and Other Mucosal Cancers.

One recent report (101) asks the question “is DHEA a panacea or snake oil”? The answer likely rests with proper experimental design. DHEA use must be critically evaluated to achieve meaningful results. For example, the use of DHEA as a conventional immune modulator has been evaluated in postmenopausal women (99). That report stated that evidence was clear that DHEA was a positive immune modulator in these females. Furthermore, it was considered useful that DHEA metabolism in breast yields androgens that likely act as inhibitors of breast cancer growth. However, the evidence with a combination of DHEA and the “pure” anti-estrogen EM-800 with ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell xenografts in athymic nude mice were not as encouraging (100). DHEA inhibited alone, and the “pure” anti-estrogen alone inhibited. These results are pointed out to demonstrate that the proposal of using the “mixed” anti-estrogen tamoxifen with DHEA has merit. Tamoxifen acts as a direct immune mimic, as described in Example 1, in addition to blocking the estrogen receptor. DHEA acts to stimulate the immune system and to deliver inhibitory androgens to breast cancer cells. It is believed that the conventional immune stimulatory action of DHEA will also serve to enhance the presence of the inhibitory secretory immunoglobulins. This multilevel approach is expected to be more effective than each of the compounds used alone. It is also expected to be more effective than use of a “pure” anti-estrogen with only one mechanism of action. In addition, this combination may be even more effective when an aromatase inhibitor is added. Indeed, but applying the immunohistochemical classifications outlined above, along with determining the androgen receptor content, the combination therapy has a strong rational basis. Today androgen receptors are rarely measured in specimens of female breast cancer.

Example 11

Combination Tamoxifen and Fc-like Receptor Gene therapy to Treat Breast and Other Mucosal Cancers.

Because tamoxifen is effective only with cells that express the Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or a Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor, introduction of this receptor into cells lacking immune control offers an entirely new approach to treatment of breast and other mucosal cancers. Viral vectors bearing the DNA coding for the full length functional Fc-like receptor can be used to transform disseminated cancer such that the tumor cells regain sensitivity to tamoxifen. This is a significant concept because it permits activation of killing over a long duration and with multiple exposures to the virus plus tamoxifen. Since tamoxifen can typically be used over a five-year period, and viral infections repeated, this new approach has considerable promise and is supported by the recognized fact that all cancer cells will not be killed after even the first few viral infections. The properties of the receptor to be used have been described (53,54), and techniques for incorporating a desired DNA sequence into a suitable viral vector, and for transforming a population of cells are known and have been descibed in the literature.

Example 12

Use of Serum-Containing and Serum-free Medium Assays to Define New Anti-estrogenic Compounds or to Modify Existing Compounds to More Effective Agents:

The above-identified co-owned U.S and PCT patent applications (53,54), hereby incorporated herein by reference, describe two different types of assays that will be used to characterize new anti-estrogenic compounds and derivatives. One assay is done with ER⁺ cell lines grown in medium supplemented with steroid hormone depleted serum. The serum is preferably prepared by either charcoal dextran extraction, or by XAD-4 resin treatment (53,54). Similar assays can be done under completely serum-free defined conditions. The results of the two assays can be compared directly. Several suitable cell lines for use in the assays are available from three different species and four different tissues (32-34), although another cell line that is capable of growing both in cell culture and when implanted into a compatible host could also be used. Use of steroid hormone depleted serum permits evaluation of its effect on the activity of the new compound. The presence of serum factors may alter activity and therefore indicate problems before initiation of time consuming and expensive animal testing.

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While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the foregoing descriptions primarily focus on the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in high-risk individuals, however the same or similar approaches can be employed to with respect to other types of cancers of mucosal tissues, including prostate, ovary, endometrium, cervix, vagina, colon, kidney, lung, pancreas and nasopharynx. Cancers of those tissues, together with breast cancer, account for 80% of all human cancer. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications and publications cited hereinabove are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The discussion of certain references in the Description of Related Art, above, is not an admission that they are prior art to the present invention, especially any references that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application.

Claims

1. A method of predicting susceptibility of a cancer of mucosal origin to treatment with an immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound, the method comprising: identifying in a specimen of said cancer cells expression of a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or a Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor that is capable of binding to said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound and of mediating immunoglobulin inhibition of cancer cell growth in cancer cells of mucosal origin.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the Fc region of said identified Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor is capable of binding to said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising determining whether said cancer cell is at least partially hormone responsive with respect to stimulation of cell growth by said hormone.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound is tamoxifen.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound is MER-25 or a chemically modified form thereof.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said cancer of mucosal origin is from breast, prostate, colon, kidney, bladder, lung, pancreas, nasopharynx, ovarian, endometrial, vaginal or cervical.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting expression of secretory component in said cancer cells.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting the presence of ERγ in said cancer cells.

9. A method of treating breast cancer in an individual in need of such treatment, the method comprising:

in a specimen of breast cancer cells from said individual, determining susceptibility of at least a portion of said cells to cell growth inhibition by an immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound by a method comprising identifying in at least a portion of said cells the expression of a Poly-Ig receptor or Poly-Ig-like receptor, or the Fc receptor region thereof, that is capable of binding to said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound and mediating immunoglobulin inhibition of breast cancer cell growth; and

administering said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound to said individual.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising administering an aromatase inhibitor to said individual.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising administering a pure anti-estrogen compound to said individual.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising administering to said individual an enhancer of immunoglobulin production.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said enhancer comprises levimisole.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said enhancer comprises imiquimod.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said enhancer comprises picibanil.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein said enhancer comprises DHEA.

17. The method of claim 9 further comprising transferring a functional Poly-Ig receptor gene or Poly-Ig-like receptor gene to breast cancer cells in said individual.

18. The method of claim 9 further comprising transferring a DNA sequence encoding the Fc portion of a Poly-Ig receptor or Poly-Ig-like receptor to breast cancer calls in said individual.

19. The method of claim 9 comprising administering MER-25 or a chemically modified form thereof, and at least one hormone to said individual.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said at least one hormone is chosen from the group consisting of pituitary hormones, adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, cytokines and neurogenic hormones.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein said at least one hormone comprises progesterone.

22. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a cancer of mucosal origin comprising:

an immune inhibitor of steroid hormone reversible cancer cell growth or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound; and at least one at least one component chosen from the group consisting of: an anti-estrogen compound, an aromatase inhibitor, an agent that enhances immunoglobulin production, and a hormone,

together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

23. The composition of claim 22 wherein said agent that enhances immunoglobulin production comprises a compound chosen from the group consisting of Levimisole, Imiquimod, Picibanil and DHEA.

24. The composition of claim 22 wherein said anti-estrogenic compound or said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound comprises MER-25 or a chemically modified form thereof.

25. The composition of claim 21 wherein said anti-estrogenic compound comprises a compound chosen from the group consisting of tamoxifen, toremifene, ICI 16384, ICI 182780, EM-800, RU 58688 and EM-139.

26. The composition of claim 21 wherein said hormone is chosen from the group consisting of pituitary hormones, adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, cytokines and neurogenic hormones.

27. The composition of claim 26 wherein said hormone comprises progesterone.

28. A method of screening a compound for anti-estrogenic activity comprising:

culturing a predetermined population of estrogen responsive cancer cells in a nutrient medium comprising a quantity of immunoglobulin inhibitor or immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound sufficient to inhibit cell growth in the absence of an inhibition-reversing amount of estrogen;

adding a defined amount of the substance of interest to the cell culture medium;

adding a defined amount of estrogen to said cell culture medium, said amount being sufficient to stimulate cell growth in the presence of said inhibitor or inhibitor mimicking agent under the same cell culture conditions but in the absence of said substance of interest, to provide a test culture;

incubating said test culture for a predetermined period of time under growth promoting conditions;

testing said substance of interest for cytotoxic effects on said cells;

determining the cell population of the test culture after said predetermined period of time, wherein a lack of increase in the cell population, not attributable to cytotoxic effects of said substance of interest, indicates an anti-estrogenic effect by said substance of interest.