Abstract:
Preparations comprising a single enantiomer or defined non-racemic ratio of enantiomers of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) are provided for treating, preventing, controlling the growth of and/or reducing the risk of cancers, tumors and other related neoplastic disorders. The preparations containing a substantially pure preparation of (-)-DFMO or a defined non-racemic ratio of DFMO enantiomers will provide an enhanced pharmacological activity relative to a preparation comprising racemic DFMO.
Abstract:
Preparations comprising a capsule, tablet or other dosage form containing a core of different types of DFMO are provided. These preparations are capable of providing for the direct and constant delivery of DFMO to the entire GI tract or just the colon and rectum. The DFMO-containing granules include granules specially formulated to achieve rapid DFMO release, and granules formulated to achieve slower DFMO release and/or granules formulated for gastric, enteric or colorectal release. Methods of using the preparations to flood the GI tract with relatively constant levels of DFMO may thus be provided. The ratio of the (+) to the (-)-enantiomeric forms of DFMO in the granules will be controlled so as to enhance the pharmacological profile and reduce toxicity of the preparation relative to racemic DFMO. Preparations and methods for achieving systemic delivery as well as direct colon delivery of DFMO are also described.
Abstract:
Preparations comprising a single enantiomer or defined ratio of enantiomers of alphadifluoromethylornithine (DFMO) are provided for treating, preventing, controlling the growth of and/or reducing the risk of developing estrogen independent breast cancer or tumor. The preparations containing a single DFMO enantiomer or defined nonracemic ratio of DFMO enantiomers will provide an enhanced pharmacological activity relative to a preparation comprising racemic DFMO. Methods for treating a patient having estrogen independent breast cancer, which methods comprise administering DFMO alone or in combination with taxol, are also provided.
Abstract:
A method for treating prostate cancer, comprising administering an effective amount of 5,6-dihydro-5-azacytidine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, either alone, or in combination with hormonal therapy. The invention includes a method for increasing expression of the androgen receptor in a prostate cancer cell, a method of increasing E-cadherin expression in a prostate cancer cell, and a method of inducing apoptosis in a prostate cell.