Anti-cancer compositions and methods

Abstract

Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: R2-R—R1, where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)n—Se—C(═NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)n—Se—C(═NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation. Compositions of the present invention inhibit Akt enzymes, iNOS, and increase MAP kinase activity such that cancer cells contacted with the compositions are inhibited.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.