Methods for the Selective Treatment of Tumors by Calcium-Mediated Induction of Apoptosis
OwnerCharles E. Zeiliginventor
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OwnerCharles E. Zeiliginventor
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Tumor cells exhibit consistent abnormalities in calcium regulation. The present disclosure teaches methods by which such differences are exploited to induce Apoptosis selectively in tumor/cancer cells while sparing normal cells. These methods are based upon employing drugs that, acting in synergistic combinations, trigger selective killing of malignant cells. Since the invention is based upon fundamental cell cycle requirements, to the extent that calcium handling abnormalities are a general characteristic of the malignant state, the methods presented here are widely applicable regardless of tissue of origin and degree of cellular de-differentiation.
A method for treating a cancer in a patient comprising administering to said patient effective amounts of two or more drugs at concentrations which interact synergistically, that stimulate an increase in the Ca2+ burden of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria wherein the drugs are administered at less than each drug's respective EC50 values.
A method for treating a tumor in a patient comprising administering to said patient effective amounts of two or more drugs that stimulate mitochondrial Ca2+ loading.
A method for inducing apoptosis in tumor cells comprising administering to said tumor cells two or more drugs wherein the drugs interact synergistically;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.