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EP1395255A2 - Composes cddo et polytherapies associees - Google Patents

Composes cddo et polytherapies associees

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Publication number
EP1395255A2
EP1395255A2 EP01989130A EP01989130A EP1395255A2 EP 1395255 A2 EP1395255 A2 EP 1395255A2 EP 01989130 A EP01989130 A EP 01989130A EP 01989130 A EP01989130 A EP 01989130A EP 1395255 A2 EP1395255 A2 EP 1395255A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cddo
cell
cells
compound
chemotherapeutic agent
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01989130A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1395255A4 (fr
Inventor
Marina Konopleva
Michael Andreef
Michael Sporn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dartmouth College
University of Texas System
University of Texas at Austin
Original Assignee
Dartmouth College
University of Texas System
University of Texas at Austin
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dartmouth College, University of Texas System, University of Texas at Austin filed Critical Dartmouth College
Publication of EP1395255A2 publication Critical patent/EP1395255A2/fr
Publication of EP1395255A4 publication Critical patent/EP1395255A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/335—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/045—Hydroxy compounds, e.g. alcohols; Salts thereof, e.g. alcoholates
    • A61K31/07—Retinol compounds, e.g. vitamin A
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/275—Nitriles; Isonitriles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/04—Peptides having up to 20 amino acids in a fully defined sequence; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/14—Peptides containing saccharide radicals; Derivatives thereof, e.g. bleomycin, phleomycin, muramylpeptides or vancomycin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/177—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the fields of cancer therapy. More particularly, it concerns the use of triterpenoid CDDO-compounds, such as CDDO and/or methyl-CDDO, in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancers.
  • Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in the western world, second only behind heart disease.
  • Major challenges remain to be overcome for all cancers, but this is especially true for the hematological malignancies.
  • ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • AML acute myelogenous leukemia
  • CDDO The recently synthesized new and unique triterpenoid, CDDO, has anti-proliferative effects in many human tumor cell lines (Suh, 1999), induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells (Kim et al, 2000) and has anti- proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties in several leukemias (Konopleva et al, 1999a).
  • the other pathway involves the mitochondria and is regulated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins.
  • mitochondrial sequestration or release of cytochrome C (Yang et al, 1997) is followed by the activation of Apaf-1, caspase 9, and caspase 3 (for review, see (Konopleva and Andreeff, 1999; Konopleva et al, 1998; Kornblau et al, 1999).
  • chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of hematological malignancies cause cell killing by inducing apoptosis.
  • Newer approaches attempt to induce apoptosis by directly targeting apoptotic pathways.
  • agents that trigger the signaling of Fas or TRAIL receptors induce the extrinsic pathway at the cell surface.
  • Activation of the retinoic acid receptors also results in apoptosis or differentiation via down-modulation of Bcl-2 and BC1-X mRNA and protein levels (Andreef et al, 1999; Agarwal and Mehta, 1997). Clinical trials of several of these agents are under way.
  • AML all-tr ⁇ jw-retinoic acid
  • APL acute promyelocytic leukemia
  • ATRA all-tr ⁇ jw-retinoic acid
  • APL acute promyelocytic leukemia
  • PPAR peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
  • the present invention overcomes deficiencies in the art and provides an anti- cancer therapy that involves the combination of CDDO-compounds, such as CDDO and methyl-CDDO, with other conventional chemotherapeutic compounds and/or with chemotherapeutic agents that activate different parts of apoptotic cascades.
  • CDDO-compounds such as CDDO and methyl-CDDO
  • a method for inducing cytotoxicity in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a CDDO-compound and a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the combination of the CDDO-compound with the chemotherapeutic agent is effective in inducing cytotoxicity in the cell.
  • the CDDO-compound is
  • CDDO or methyl-CDDO.
  • the CDDO-compound is contacted with the cell prior to contacting the cell with the chemotherapeutic agent.
  • the chemotherapeutic agent is contacted with the cell prior to contacting the cell with CDDO.
  • the cell is a cancer cell.
  • the cancer cell is a leukemic cell.
  • the leukemic cell is a blood cancer cell, a myeloid leukemia cell, a monocytic leukemia cell, a myelocytic leukemia cell, a promyelocytic leukemia cell, a myeloblastic leukemia cell, a lymphocytic leukemia cell, an acute myelogenous leukemic cell, a chronic myelogenous leukemic cell, a lymphoblastic leukemia cell, a hairy cell leukemia cell.
  • the cancer cell is a solid tumor cell.
  • the solid tumor cell is a bladder cancer cell, a breast cancer cell, a lung cancer cell, a colon cancer cell, a prostate cancer cell, a liver cancer cell, a pancreatic cancer cell, a stomach cancer cell, a testicular cancer cell, a brain cancer cell, an ovarian cancer cell, a lymphatic cancer cell, a skin cancer cell, a brain cancer cell, a bone cancer cell, a soft tissue cancer cell.
  • the cell is located in a human subject.
  • the CDDO-compound may be administered locally. Therefore, the compound may be administered by intratumoral injection and/or by injection into tumor vasculature.
  • the CDDO-compound may be administered systemically.
  • the CDDO- compounds may be administered intravenously, intra-arterially, intra-peritoneally, orally, and/or during ex vivo bone marrow or blood stem cell purging.
  • CDDO may be administered at dosages in the range of 5-30 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) or 5-100 mg/kg orally.
  • i.v. intravenously
  • 5-100 mg/kg orally i.v.
  • about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or about 100 mg/kg of CDDO may be administered by i.v. or may be administered orally.
  • CDDO-Me may be administered in the range of 5-100 mg/kg intravenously or 5-100 mg/kg orally for 3-30 days.
  • about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 mg/kg of CDDO may be administered by i.v. or , 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or about 100 mg/kg of CDDO may be administered orally.
  • these dosages are only guidelines and a physician will determine exact dosages at the time of administration factoring in other conditions such as age, sex, disease, etc. ofthe patient.
  • the chemotherapeutic agent may be one or more of the listed chemotherapeutics including, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dactinomycin, decitabine, mitoxantrone, cisplatin, procarbazine, mitomycin, carboplatin, bleomycin, etoposide, teniposide, mechlroethamine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, melphalan, chlorambucil, ifosfamide, melphalan, hexamethylmelamine, thiopeta, busulfan, carmustine, lomustine, semustine, streptozocin, dacarbazine, adriamycin, 5-fluorouracil (5FU), camptothecin, actinomycin-D, hydrogen peroxide, nitrosurea, plicomycin, TRAIL, tamoxifen, taxol, transplatinum, vinc
  • the chemotherapeutic agent can be an agent that causes immunosupression and may be a corticosteroid or tacrolimus (also known as SK506).
  • the bone marrow or blood may be treated with a CDDO compound, either alone or in conjunction with any other agent to eliminate any tumor, malignant or leukemic cell before treating the patient.
  • the chemotherapeutic agent is a retinoid.
  • the retinoid may be all-traws-retinoic acid (ATRA), 9-c/5 , -retinoic acid, LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4- HPR], CD437 or any RXR- or RAR-specific retinoic acid.
  • the RXR-specific retinoic acid is LG100268 (Ligand Pharmaceuticals).
  • the retionids may be administered as liposomal formulations.
  • liposomal formulations may be administered intravenously or through other routes as well, for example a liposomal formulation of ATRA is administered a range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day intravenously.
  • a liposomal formulation of ATRA is administered a range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day intravenously.
  • one may administer 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 mg/m 2 /day of a liposomal formulation of ATRA.
  • 90 mg/m /day of ATRA as a liposomal formulation is intravenously.
  • the retinoids may be administered orally.
  • ATRA may be administered in the range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day.
  • ATRA may be administered at 45 mg/m 2 /day orally daily.
  • 9-cis- Retinoid acid may be administered in the range of 20-150 mg/m twice a day orally.
  • LG100268 may be effective in a dose range of 5-50 mg/kg. Thus, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, to 50mg/kg of LG100268 may be administered.
  • LGD1069 Talretin, bexarotene capsules are contemplated for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who have refractory or resistant disease after other therapies.
  • CTCL cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  • the dose ranges of these capusles is 300-400 mg/m /day orally. Thus, 300, 350, 400 mg/m 2 /day may be used.
  • LGD1069 gel at 1% may also be used for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with CTCL (Stage (1A and IB) who have refractory or resistant disease after other therapies; two to four times daily.
  • Fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR] is contemplated useful at 25-600 mg daily and the administration in some embodiments may be continuous.
  • 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, 360, 380, 400, 420, 440, 460, 480, 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600 mg may be administered daily.
  • these dosage ranges provide useful guidelines appropriate adjustments in the dosage depending on the needs of an individual patient factoring in disease, gender, age and other general health conditions will be made at the time of administration to a patient by a trained physician.
  • the cell is contacted with the CDDO- compound a second time.
  • the cell may be contacted with the chemotherapeutic agent a second time.
  • the CDDO-compound and the chemotherapeutic agent can be contacted with the cell at the same time.
  • the tumor resection may occurs prior to the contacting.
  • the contacting can comprises treating a resected tumor bed with the CDDO-compound and the chemotherapeutic agent.
  • the tumor resection occurs after the contacting.
  • the contacting occurs both before and after the tumor resection.
  • the invention also provides methods of killing a tumor cell comprising contacting the tumor cell with a CDDO-compound and a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the combination of said CDDO-compound with said chemotherapeutic agent, induces killing of said tumor cell.
  • the invention also provides methods of inducing apoptosis in a tumor cell comprising contacting said tumor cell with a CDDO-compound and a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the combination of said CDDO-compound with said chemotherapeutic agent, induces apoptosis of said tumor cell.
  • the CDDO-compound is CDDO or methyl-CDDO.
  • the chemotherapeutic agent is a retinoid.
  • Also provided are methods for inducing differentiation in a tumor cell comprising contacting the tumor cell with a CDDO-compound and a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the combination of the CDDO-compound with the chemotherapeutic agent, induces the differentiation ofthe tumor cell.
  • the invention also describes methods of potentiating the effect of a chemotherapeutic agent on a tumor cell comprising contacting the tumor cell with a CDDO-compound and the chemotherapeutic agent.
  • the invention provides methods of inhibiting growth of a tumor cell comprising contacting the tumor cell with a CDDO-compound and a chemotherapeutic agent.
  • the CDDO-compound can be CDDO (2-cyano-3, 12- dioxoolen-l,9-dien-28-oic acid) or methyl-CDDO.
  • the chemotherapeutic agent is a retinoid.
  • the retinoids are all- tra s-retinoic acid (ATRA), 9-c/s-retinoic acid, LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene) , fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], CD437 or any RXR- or RAR-specific retinoic acid.
  • ATRA all- tra s-retinoic acid
  • 9-c/s-retinoic acid 9-c/s-retinoic acid
  • LG100268 LGD1069
  • fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR] fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl
  • the invention provides methods for the treatment and prevention of graft versus host disease (GVHD) by providing a CDDO-compound either alone or in conjunction with another agent, such as an immunosupressive agent or a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of GVHD.
  • a CDDO-compound either alone or in conjunction with another agent, such as an immunosupressive agent or a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of GVHD.
  • CDDO compounds either alone or in conjunction with other agents, can induce apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and have activity in lymphoid tissue
  • CDDO-compound based therapies can be used to provide therapy for graft versus host diseases.
  • the invention provides methods of inducing apoptosis in a lymphoid cell that expresses Bcl-2 comprising contacting said lymphoid cell with a CDDO- compound and an immunosupressive agent.
  • the Bcl-2 may be expressed either endogenously or exogenously.
  • the Bcl-2 is expressed by a expression vector that comprises a nucleic acid that encodes Bcl-2 under the control of a promoter active in the lymphoid cell.
  • Methods for achieving exogenous expression of nucleic acids are well known in the art and are described elsewhere in the specification. Such methods are also described in Sambrook and Maniatis (1993), incorporated herein by reference.
  • the lymphoid cell is a T-cell. In other embodiments, the lymphoid cell is a cancer cell. In yet other embodiments, the lymphoid cell is located in a human. Although any immunosupressive agent known in the art can be used some non-limitying examples include corticosteroids and/or tacrolimus (SK506). In some embodiments, the lymphoid cell is further additionally contacted with a chemotherapeutic agent.
  • the invention also provides methods of treating or preventing graft versus host disease in a subject comprising administering to the subject a CDDO-compound in combination with an immunosupressive agent.
  • the subject is further treated with a chemotherapeutic agent.
  • the CDDO-compound is CDDO or methyl-CDDO.
  • the subject is a human. In other embodiments, the subject has cancer. In yet other embodiments, the subject has received autologus bone marrow transplantation.
  • the CDDO-compound is administered during ex vivo purging. Treatment of bone marrow or blood stem cells with CDDO-compounds, alone or with other agents, eliminates any tumor cells or leukemic cells or malignant cells.
  • the CDDO-compound is administered locally, for example, by direct intratumoral injection or by injection into tumor vasculature.
  • the CDDO-compound is administered systemically, for example, intravenously, intra- arterial ly, intra-peritoneally, or orally.
  • FIG. 1. CDDO decreases cell number in HL-60 cells.
  • FIG. 2. CDDO inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis.
  • FIG. 3. CDDO induces apoptosis in myeloid cell lines.
  • FIG. 4 CDDO enhances ara-C cytotoxicity in HL60-DOX cells.
  • FIG. 5 CDDO alone and in combination with ara-C induces apoptosis in primary AML cells.
  • FIG. 6 CDDO combined with ara-C induces differentiation in primary
  • FIG. 7. CDDO decreases colony formation of AML blasts.
  • FIG. 9. CDDO decreases Bcl-2 m-RNA in HL-60 cells.
  • FIG. 10 CDDO decreases XIAP m-RNA in HL-60 cells.
  • FIG. 11 A & FIG. 11B.
  • FIG. 11 A Binding of [3H]-rosiglitazone to PPAR ⁇ (cold CDDO as competitor).
  • FIG. 1 IB CDDO transactivates PPAR ⁇ .
  • FIG. 14 ATRA enhances CDDO-induced growth inhibition of HL60 cells (72 hrs).
  • FIG. 15 ATRA (1 ⁇ M) enhances CDDO-induced cytotoxicity in leukemic cell lines.
  • FIG. 16 ATRA enhances CDDO-induced differentiation of HL60 cells
  • FIG. 17 CDDO combined with ATRA decreases Bcl-2 mRNA in U937 cells (24 hrs).
  • FIG. 19 Southern blot, NOD/Scid BM.
  • FIG. 20A. and FIG. 20B CDDO-Me inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells.
  • CDDO-Me induces apoptosis in primary AML samples.
  • FIG. 22 CDDO-Me inhibits AML clonogenic progenitor growth.
  • FIG. 23 CDDO-Me induces Annexin V positivity in leukemic cells.
  • FIG. 24 CDDO-Me induces caspase activation and decreases mitochondria] potential in U937 cells.
  • FIG. 25A. and FIG. 25B Caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD blocks CDDO-Me induced annexin V positivity and caspase-3 cleavage.
  • FIG. 26 CyA partially inhibits CDDO-Me-induced loss of mitochondrial potential.
  • FIG. 27A, FIG. 27B and FIG. 27C CDDO-Me induces Bax expression and caspase-3 cleavage.
  • FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B Overexpression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-Xl inhibits CDDO-Me induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.
  • FIG. 29 Caspase-8 inhibitor IEDT prevents CDDO-Me induced apoptosis in NB4 cells.
  • FIG. 31 ATRA (1 ⁇ M) enhances CDDO-Me-induced cytotoxicity in leukemic cell lines.
  • FIG. 32 ATRA enhances CDDO-Me-induced apoptosis in primary
  • FIG. 33 cDNA array: CDDO-Me decreases VEGFR1 expression in
  • FIG. 34 CDDO induces histone acetylation in HL-60/RXR cells.
  • FIG. 35 Activity of CDDO against breast-cancer cells in vivo.
  • ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • CDDO-compounds used in this specification refers to CDDO and methyl-CDDO (CDDO-Me). Among the two CDDO- compounds, CDDO-Me was found to be more potent.
  • the present invention demonstrates that CDDO-compounds in combination with a chemotherapeutic compound are very effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth; inducing apoptosis; inducing differentiation; and/or inducing cell death in several leukemic cells and cell lines.
  • the induction of apoptosis by a combination of the CDDO-compound and a chempotherapeutic agent permits effective treatment using much lower doses of both agents as compared to the dosage of either agent alone.
  • CDDO-compounds target specific apoptotic pathways.
  • One such class of chemotherapeutics are the retinoids. Therefore, the invention provides the use of retinoids, especially the RXR-specific ligands, as the other chemotherapeutic agents in combination with the CDDO-compounds as highly effective cancer treatments.
  • CDDO-compounds are ligands of PPAR ⁇ receptors which form heterodimers with retinoid receptors. Thus, the anticancer properties of the CDDO-compounds are potentiated when combined with retinoids.
  • chemotherapeutic agents that may be used in combination with the CDDO-compounds include all standard and commonly used chemotherapeutic agents known in the art. Examples of these are described ahead in the specification and include DNA-damaging agents such as, ara-C, doxorubicin, danorubicin etc.
  • the invention also contemplates the use of other PPAR ⁇ ligands as chemotherapeutic agents. Also contemplated are the use of immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and tacrolimus.
  • the present invention demonstrates an increase in cancer cell destruction compared to surrounding normal tissue and indicates that CDDO-compounds when combined with chemotherapy, provide a clinically useful tool.
  • Another aspect the invention concerns the treatment of graft versus host disease
  • GVHD by providing a CDDO-compound either alone or in conjunction with another agent, such as an immunosupressive agent or a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of GVHD.
  • another agent such as an immunosupressive agent or a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of GVHD.
  • CDDO (2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolen-l,9-dien-28-oic acid) is a novel synthetic triterpenoid with potent differentiating, anti-proliferative and anti- inflammatory activity and was synthesized previously by the inventors (Suh et al, 1999). It inhibits proliferation of different tumor cell lines and induces monocytic differentiation of myeloid U937 cells. Recently, CDDO was found to be a specific ligand for PPAR ⁇ , while transactivation assays with glucocorticoid, estrogen, progesteron, and retinoid receptors were negative (Suh et al, 1999).
  • CDDO exerts strong antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects on leukemic cell lines and primary AML in vitro and also induces monocytic differentiation of leukemic cell lines and some primary AMLs.
  • CDDO also mediated reduction in colony formation in AML progenitors as compared with normal CD34 + cells (Konopleva et al, 1999). This differential effect on normal vs. leukemic progenitor cells is useful for AML therapy.
  • the present invention shows that this effect is profoundly increased by combination of CDDO with retinoids such as all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in HL-60 cells. CDDO combined with ATRA also exhibits an enhanced pro-apoptotic effect.
  • retinoids such as all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA)
  • retinoids contemplated as useful include 9-cis retinoic acid, LG 100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR] and CD437.
  • the invention shows that CDDO-compounds increases ara-C cytotoxicity.
  • the invention also shows that CDDO in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents has potent anticancer effects.
  • CDDO may be synthesized by the scheme outlined below.
  • Methyl-CDDO Methyl-CDDO
  • CDDO-Me the C-28 methyl ester of CDDO
  • CDDO-Me provides chemotherapy for the treatment of leukemias.
  • the present invention demonstrates that this effect is profoundly increased by combination of CDDO-Me with other chemotherapeutic agents.
  • retinoids such as ATRA, 9-cis retinoic acid, , LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4- hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], CD437 and other RXR and RAR-specific ligands.
  • This combination also increases ara-C cytotoxicity, further reduces AML colony formation, inhibits ERK phosphorylation and promotes Bcl-2 dephosphorylation, and inhibits in vitro angiogenesis.
  • the ability of CDDO-Me in combination with retinoids to induce differentiation in leukemic cells in vitro show that these compounds may have similar in vivo effects.
  • the anti-angiogenic properties of CDDO-Me further increase its potent anti-leukemia activity in combination with retinoids. Furthermore, CDDO-Me was found to be more potent at lower concentrations than CDDO.
  • CDDO-Me may be synthesized by the scheme outlined below.
  • the present invention provides combinations of CDDO-compounds and chemotherapeutic agents that are useful as treatments for cancers and hematological malignancies.
  • the chemotherapeutics are retinoids.
  • CDDO- compounds are PPAR ⁇ ligands and PPAR ⁇ is known to be altered in many types of cancers, the inventors contemplate, that ligation of PPAR ⁇ in combination with retinoids such as, RXR-specific ligands, provides a mechanistic basis for maximal increase in transcriptional activity of the target genes that control apoptosis and differentiation.
  • the CDDO-compounds and retinoids in combination demonstrate an increased ability to induce differentiation, induce cytotoxicity, induce apoptosis, induce cell killing, reduce colony formation and inhibit the growth of several types of leukemic cells.
  • Retinoids are a group vitamin A derivatives that have potential application in chemoprevention and in therapy of many types of malignancies. They have been used as chemotherapeutics for the treatment and prevention of a variety of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions, such as melanoma, cervical cancer, some forms of leukemia, oral leukoplakia and basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Retinoids can also modulate programmed cell death (apoptosis) and are therefore important to cancer therapy.
  • RARs retinoid acid receptors
  • RXRs retinoid X receptors
  • Bcl-2 apoptosis controlling protein
  • All-tr ⁇ «5-retinoic acid (ATRA) belongs to the retinoid family of ligands for nuclear receptors.
  • Other retinoid ligands used herein include 9-cis-retinoic acid, LG- 100286, Fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], LG1069 (also alternatively known as Targretin, bexarotene) and CD-437 are some other retinoids contemplated.
  • CD437 is a novel retinoid that binds to both RAR ⁇ and RAR ⁇ retinoids receptors. It is a potent inducer of apoptosis in vitro. No trials in humans have been conducted.
  • mice oral administration of 10-30 mg/kg daily for 3 wk or injection of 10 mg/kg of body weight in the tumor caused growth inhibition of melanoma xenografts in vivo (Schadendorf, et al, 1996).
  • a retinoid may be naturally occurring or synthetic.
  • the retinoid may further be a ligand of the RXR receptors and/or the RAR receptors.
  • Retinoids may be administered by any route as described herein and in other parts of this specification.
  • ATRA may be administered at a range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day, for example, at 45 mg/m /day orally daily.
  • a liposomal formulation of ATRA may be administered at 90 mg/m 2 /day IV.
  • 9-cis-Retinoid acid may be administered at a range of 20-150 mg/m 2 twice a day orally.
  • LG100268 in mice models was administered at a dose of 5-10 mg/kg.
  • LGD1069 is contemplated as useful for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who have refractory or resistant disease after other therapies.
  • CTCL cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  • the LGD1069 is administered as capsules of 300-400 mg/m 2 /day taken orally.
  • LGD1069 is administered as a gel of about 1 % strength for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with CTCL (Stage 1A and IB) who have refractory or resistant disease after other cancer therapies and may be taken two to four times daily.
  • Fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR] is contemplated useful at 25-
  • One of skill in the art will understand that while these dosage ranges provide useful guidelines appropriate adjustments in the dosage depending on the needs of an individual patient factoring in disease, gender, age and other general health conditions will be made by the trained physician.
  • the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor is a member of a nuclear receptor family that is involved in apoptosis. This family includes receptors for the steroid, thyroid and retinoid hormones that often serve as transcription factors.
  • the three known human PPAR subtypes, ⁇ , ⁇ and ⁇ , show distinct tissue distribution and are associated with selective ligands (Forman et al, 1997; Kliewer et al, 1994; Wilson et al, 1996).
  • PPAR ⁇ is expressed at high levels in adipose tissue and in macrophages and can induce cell cycle arrest and differentiation of preadipocyte cells. As these receptors regulate key genes involved in cellular homeostasis and differentiation, they have value as therapeutic targets.
  • the CDDO-compounds are PPAR ⁇ ligands.
  • Endogenous PPAR ⁇ ligands include fatty acid-like compounds such as 15- deoxy ⁇ 12 ' 14 PGJ2 and linoleic acid (Forman et al, 1995; Kliewer et al, 1995; Nagy et al, 1998).
  • Some examples of PPAR pharmaceutical ligands include the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as troglitazone, BRL49653 (rosiglitazone), and pioglitazone, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Lehmann et al, 1997), L- 805645, GW347845X.
  • TZDs are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes because they sensitize tissues to insulin (Lehmann et al, 1995).
  • PPAR ⁇ shares structural similarities with other nuclear-receptor family members, including a central DNA-binding domain and a carboxy-terminal ligand- binding domain (LBD). All nuclear receptors require the transcription activation function (AF-2) domain that is located in the C-terminus of the LBD (Evans, 1988), for the recruitment of the co-activator SRC-1. PPAR ⁇ must form a heterodimer with RXR to bind DNA and activate transcription (Nolte et al, 1998).
  • PPAR-RXR heterodimers can be activated by PPAR or RXR ligands (Forman et al, 1997), and RXR-specific ligands markedly induce the binding of SRC-1 to PPAR ⁇ -RXR heterodimers (Westin et al, 1998). Assembly of this complex results in a large increase in transcriptional activity.
  • the present inventors contemplate that one could increase the effects of PPAR ⁇ ligands by combining them with ligands specific for RXR. For example, the present inventors have shown that combination of CDDO with a RXR-specific ligand, such as ATRA, decreases cell viability and induces terminal differentiation in myeloid leukemic cell lines.
  • Transactivation of PPAR ⁇ target genes is a multi-step process that first involves binding of the PPAR ⁇ /RXR heterodimer to specific DRl-type response elements in the promoter of a target gene.
  • this heterodimer associates with a complex of co-repressor proteins that silence the promoter by deacetylating histones in the adjacent chromatin.
  • Ligand binding induces a conformational change in the receptor, which dissociates the co-repressor complex, and permits the heterodimer to interact with at least two co-activator complexes, namely pl60/CBP and DRIP (also called TRAP or ARC)-Fig. 1.
  • PPAR ⁇ The ligand activation of PPAR ⁇ causes a remarkable response in the breast cancer cells with neutral lipid accumulation and changes in gene expression.
  • PPAR ⁇ is expressed at high levels in human liposarcoma, and primary liposarcoma cells can be induced to undergo terminal differentiation by treatment with the PPAR ⁇ ligand pioglitazone, demonstrating that the differentiation block in these cells can be overcome by maximal activation of the PPAR ⁇ pathway (Tontonoz et al, 1997).
  • simultaneous treatment of liposarcoma cells with both PPAR ⁇ - and RXR-specific ligands resulted in additive stimulation of differentiation. 4.
  • PPAR ⁇ 2 transcript is expressed in leukemic cells from patients with AML, ALL, and CML, as well as in normal neutrophils and peripheral blood lymphocytes (Greene et al, 1995). In contrast, only full-length 1.85-kb PPAR ⁇ l transcript was detected in a variety of human leukemia cell lines and in primary bone marrow stromal cells. The PPAR ⁇ gene is mapped to human chromosome 3p25.
  • 3p deletions are commonly seen in a variety of carcinomas, and the 3p25-p21 deletion is seen infrequently in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (Johansson et al, 1997). 6.
  • PPAR ⁇ is also involved in angiogenesis (Veiga et al, 1999). Ligation of PPAR ⁇ exerted anti- angiogenic effects.
  • the CDDO-compounds described herein, which are PPAR ⁇ ligands provide selective killing of cancer cells that express more PPAR ⁇ receptors.
  • the combination therapies described in this invention are envisioned to be effective in various types of cancers.
  • Tumor cell resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy agents represents a major problem in clinical oncology.
  • combination therapy using CDDO-compounds with other chemotherapeutics could be used.
  • the other chemotherapeutics include retinoid compounds described above and in other parts of this specification and include RXR- specific ligands, ATRA, 9-cis-retinoic acid, LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], and CD437.
  • RXR- specific ligands include RXR- specific ligands, ATRA, 9-cis-retinoic acid, LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], and CD437.
  • other synthetic and naturally occurring retinoids are contemplated as useful.
  • CDDO-compounds are PPAR ⁇ ligands and the heterodimerization of PPAR ⁇ and RXR's enhances gene transcription of apoptotic pathways
  • other PPAR ⁇ ligands such as those described above and in other parts of this specification are also contemplated as useful anticancer therapies in combination with retinoids.
  • Some examples are endogenous PPAR ⁇ ligands such as 15-deoxy ⁇ l2 ' 14 PGJ2 and linoleic acid and pharmaceutical PPAR ⁇ ligands including the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as troglitazone, BRL49653 (rosiglitazone), and pioglitazone, L-805645, GW347845X, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • TGDs thiazolidinediones
  • other PPAR ⁇ -ligands contemplated as useful in this invention include all naturally occurring ligands as well as synthetically prepared compounds.
  • chemotherapeutic agents that may be used in combination with the CDDO-compounds to achieve cancer therapy are described later in the specification.
  • Cancers that can be treated with the present invention include, but are not limited to, hematological malignancies including: blood cancer, myeloid leukemia, monocytic leukemia, myelocytic leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, myeloblastic leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemic, chronic myelogenous leukemic, lymphoblastic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia.
  • hematological malignancies including: blood cancer, myeloid leukemia, monocytic leukemia, myelocytic leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, myeloblastic leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemic, chronic myelogenous leukemic, lymphoblastic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia.
  • Solid cell tumors and cancers that can be treated include those such as tumors of the brain (glioblastomas, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymomas), lung, liver, spleen, kidney, lymph node, small intestine, pancreas, colon, stomach, breast, endometrium, prostate, testicle, ovary, skin, head and neck, esophagus.
  • the cancer may be a precancer, a metastatic and/or a non-metastatic cancer.
  • Effective amount is defined as an amount of the agent that will decrease, reduce, inhibit or otherwise abrogate the growth of a cancer cell, induce apoptosis, inhibit metastasis, induce differentation, kill cells or induce cytotoxicity in cells.
  • the administration of the other chemotherapeutic may precede or follow the therapy using CDDO-compounds by intervals ranging from minutes to days to weeks.
  • the other chemotherapeutic and the CDDO-compound are administered together, one would generally ensure that a significant period of time did not expire between the time of each delivery.
  • A/A/B B A/B/A/B A/B/B/A B/B/A/A B/A B/A B/A/A/B B/B/B/A
  • A/A/A/B B/A/A/A A/B/A/A A A/B/A A/B/B B/A/B/B B/B/A/B/B B/B/A/B Other combinations also are contemplated.
  • the exact dosages and regimens of each agent can be suitable altered by those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • graft versus host disease GVHD
  • additional use of immunosupressive agents is also contemplated.
  • 'A' in the above scheme may represent an immunosupressive agent.
  • Agents that damage DNA are chemotherapeutics. These can be, for example, agents that directly cross-link DNA, agents that intercalate into DNA, and agents that lead to chromosomal and mitotic aberrations by affecting nucleic acid synthesis. Agents that directly cross-link nucleic acids, specifically DNA, are envisaged and are exemplified by cisplatin, and other DNA alkylating agents. Agents that damage DNA also include compounds that interfere with DNA replication, mitosis, and chromosomal segregation.
  • chemotherapeutic agents include antibiotic chemotherapeutics such as, Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Mitornycin (also known as mutamycin and/or mitomycin-C), Actinomycin D (Dactinomycin), Bleomycin. Plicomycin,. Plant alkaloids such as Taxol, Vincristine, Vinblastine. Miscellaneous agents such as Cisplatin, VP16, Tumor Necrosis Factor.
  • antibiotic chemotherapeutics such as, Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Mitornycin (also known as mutamycin and/or mitomycin-C), Actinomycin D (Dactinomycin), Bleomycin. Plicomycin,. Plant alkaloids such as Taxol, Vincristine, Vinblastine. Miscellaneous agents such as Cisplatin, VP16, Tumor Necrosis Factor.
  • Alkylating Agents such as, Carmustine, Melphalan (also known as alkeran, L-phenylalanine mustard, phenylalanine mustard, L-PAM, or L-sarcolysin, is a phenylalanine derivative of nitrogen mustard), Cyclophosphamide, Chlorambucil, Busulfan (also known as myleran), Lomustine.
  • Cisplatin CDDP
  • Carboplatin Procarbazine, Mechlorethamine, Camptothecin, Ifosfamide, Nitrosurea, Etoposide (VP16), Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, Estrogen Receptor Binding Agents, Gemcitabien, Navelbine, Farnesyl-protein transferase inhibitors, Transplatinum, 5-Fluorouracil, and Methotrexate, Temazolomide (an aqueous form of DT1C), Mylotarg, Dolastatin-10, Bryostatin, or any analog or derivative variant ofthe foregoing.
  • Retinoids and the PPAR ⁇ ligands are also some chemotherapeutic agents contemplated useful in the present invention.
  • Retinoids include all RXR and RAR- specific retinoic acid ligands.
  • ATRA 9-cis retinoic acid
  • fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4- HPR] and CD437 are contemplated as useful.
  • CD437 is a novel retinoids that binds to the RAR ⁇ and RAR ⁇ retinoids receptors. It is a potent inducer of apoptosis in vitro.
  • mice models oral administration of 10-30 mg/kg daily for 3 wk or injection of 10 mg/kg of body weight in the tumor caused growth inhibition of melanoma xenografts in vivo (Schadendorf D. et al, 1996).
  • ATRA may be administered at a range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day, for example, at 45 mg/m 2 /day orally daily.
  • a liposomal formulation of ATRA may be administered at 90 mg/m 2 /day IV.
  • 9-cis-Retinoid acid may be administered at a range of 20-150 mg/m 2 twice a day orally.
  • LG100268 in mice models was administered at a dose of 5-10 mg/kg.
  • LGD1069 is contemplated as useful for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who have refractory or resistant disease after other therapies.
  • CTCL cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  • the LGD1069 is administered as capsules of 300-400 mg/m 2 /day taken orally.
  • LGD1069 is administered as a gel of about 1% strength for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with CTCL (Stage (1A and IB) who have refractory or resistant disease after other cancer therapies and may be taken two to four times daily.
  • Fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR] is contemplated useful at 25-600 mg daily and may be administered continuously in some embodiments.
  • Endogenous PPAR ⁇ ligands such as 15-deoxy ⁇ 12 ' 14 PGJ2 and linoleic acid and pharmaceutical PPAR ⁇ ligands including the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as troglitazone, BRL49653 (rosiglitazone) and pioglitazone, L-805645, GW347845X, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also contemplated useful in context of the instant invention.
  • ZTDs thiazolidinediones
  • troglitazone such as troglitazone, BRL49653 (rosiglitazone) and pioglitazone, L-805645, GW347845X
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also contemplated useful in context of the instant invention.
  • Doxorubicin hydrochloride 5,12-Naphthacenedione, (8s-cis)- 10-[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-a-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro- 6,8,1 l-trihydroxy-8-(hydroxyacetyl)-l-methoxy-hydrochloride (hydroxydaunombicin hydrochloride, Adriamycin) is used in a wide antineoplastic spectrum. It binds to DNA and inhibits nucleic acid synthesis, inhibits mitosis and promotes chromosomal aberrations.
  • Administered alone it is the drug of first choice for the treatment of thyroid adenoma and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a component of 31 first-choice combinations for the treatment of ovarian, endometrial and breast tumors, bronchogenic oat-cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, mycosis fungoides, pancreatic carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, myeloma, diffuse histiocytic lymphoma, Wilms' tumor, Hodgkin's disease, adrenal tumors, osteogenic sarcoma soft tissue sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyo sarcoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia. It is an alternative drug for the treatment of islet cell, cervical, testicular and adrenocortical cancers. It is also an immunosuppressant.
  • Doxorubicin is absorbed poorly and must be administered intravenously.
  • the pharmacokinetics are multicompartmental. Distribution phases have half-lives of 12 minutes and 3.3 hr. The elimination half-life is about 30 hr. Forty to 50% is secreted into the bile. Most of the remainder is metabolized in the liver, partly to an active metabolite (doxorubicinol), but a few percent is excreted into the urine. In the presence of liver impairment, the dose should be reduced.
  • Appropriate doses are, intravenous, adult, 60 to 75 mg/m at 21 -day intervals or 25 to 30 mg/m 2 on each of 2 or 3 successive days repeated at 3- or 4-wk intervals or 20 mg/m 2 once a week.
  • the lowest dose should be used in elderly patients, when there is prior bone-marrow depression caused by prior chemotherapy or neoplastic marrow invasion, or when the drug is combined with other myelopoietic suppressant drugs.
  • the dose should be reduced by 50% if the serum bilirubin lies between 1.2 and 3 mg/dL and by 75% if above 3 mg/dL.
  • the lifetime total dose should not exceed 550 mg/m in patients with normal heart function and 400 mg/m in persons having received mediastinal irradiation. Alternatively, 30 mg/m on each of 3 consecutive
  • Exemplary doses may be 10 mg/m , 20 mg/m , 30 mg/m , 50 mg/m 2 , 100 mg/m 2 , 150 mg/m 2 , 175 mg/m 2 , 200 mg/m 2 , 225 mg/m 2 , 250 mg/m 2 , 275 mg/m 2 , 300 mg/m 2 , 350 mg/m 2 , 400 mg/m 2 , 425 mg/m 2 , 450 mg/m 2 , 475 mg/m 2 , 500 mg/m .
  • all of these dosages are exemplary, and any dosage in- between these points is also expected to be of use in the invention.
  • Daunorubicin Daunorubicin hydrochloride, 5,12-Naphthacenedione, (8S- cw)-8-acetyl-10-[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-a-L-lyxo-hexanopyranosyl)oxy]-7,8,9,10- tetrahydro-6,8,l l-trihydroxy-10-methoxy-, hydrochloride; also termed cerubidine and available from Wyeth. Daunorubicin intercalates into DNA, blocks DAN-directed RNA polymerase and inhibits DNA synthesis. It can prevent cell division in doses that do not interfere with nucleic acid synthesis.
  • Suitable doses are (base equivalent), intravenous adult, younger than 60 yr. 45 mg/m 2 /day (30 mg/m 2 for patients older than 60 yr.) for 1, 2 or 3 days every 3 or 4 wk or 0.8 mg/kg/day for 3 to 6 days every 3 or 4 wk; no more than 550 mg/m 2 should be given in a lifetime, except only 450 mg/m 2 if there has been chest irradiation; children, 25 mg/m 2 once a week unless the age is less than 2 yr. or the body surface less than 0.5 m, in which case the weight-based adult schedule is used. It is available in injectable dosage forms (base equivalent) 20 mg (as the base equivalent to 21.4 mg of the hydrochloride).
  • Exemplary doses may be 10 mg/m 2 , 20 mg/m 2 , 30 mg/m 2 , 50 mg/m 2 , 100 mg/m 2 , 150 mg/m 2 , 175 mg/m 2 , 200 mg/m 2 , 225 mg/m 2 , 250 mg/m 2 , 275 mg/m 2 , 300 mg/m 2 , 350 mg/m 2 , 400 mg/m 2 , 425 mg/m 2 , 450 mg/m 2 , 475 mg/m 2 , 500 mg/m 2 .
  • all of these dosages are exemplary, and any dosage in-between these points is also expected to be of use in the invention.
  • Mitomycin (also known as mutamycin and/or mitomycin-C) is an antibiotic isolated from the broth of Streptomyces caespitosus which has been shown to have antitumor activity. The compound is heat stable, has a high melting point, and is freely soluble in organic solvents.
  • Mitomycin selectively inhibits the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
  • the guanine and cytosine content correlates with the degree of mitomycin-induced cross-linking.
  • cellular RNA and protein synthesis are also suppressed.
  • Actinomycin D Actinomycin D (Dactinomycin) [50-76-0]; C 62 H 86 ⁇ 2 Oi 6
  • RNA polymerase a component of first-choice combinations for treatment of choriocarcinoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, testicular tumor and Wilms' tumor. Tumors which fail to respond to systemic treatment sometimes respond to local perfusion. Dactinomycin potentiates radiotherapy. It is a secondary (efferent) immunosuppressive.
  • Actinomycin D is used in combination with primary surgery, radiotherapy, and other drugs, particularly vincristine and cyclophosphamide. Antineoplastic activity has also been noted in Ewing's tumor, Kaposi's sarcoma, and soft-tissue sarcomas. Dactinomycin can be effective in women with advanced cases of choriocarcinoma. It also produces consistent responses in combination with chlorambucil and methotrexate in patients with metastatic testicular carcinomas. A response may sometimes be observed in patients with Hodgkin's disease and non- Hodgkin's lymphomas. Dactinomycin has also been used to inhibit immunological responses, particularly the rejection of renal transplants.
  • Half of the dose is excreted intact into the bile and 10% into the urine; the half-life is about 36 hr.
  • the drug does not pass the blood-brain barrier.
  • Actinomycin D is supplied as a lyophilized powder (0/5 mg in each vial).
  • the usual daily dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg; this is given intravenously for 5 days; if no manifestations of toxicity are encountered, additional courses may be given at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Daily injections of 100 to 400 mg have been given to children for 10 to 14 days; in other regimens, 3 to 6 mg/kg, for a total of 125 mg/kg, and weekly maintenance doses of 7.5 mg/kg have been used.
  • Exemplary doses may be 100 mg/m 2 , 150 mg/m 2 , 175 mg/m 2 , 200 mg/m 2 , 225 mg/m 2 , 250 mg/m 2 , 275 mg/m 2 , 300 mg/m 2 , 350 mg/m 2 , 400 mg/m 2 , 425 mg/m 2 , 450 mg/m 2 , 475 mg m 2 , 500 mg/m 2 .
  • All of these dosages are exemplary, and any dosage in-between these points is also expected to be of use in the invention.
  • Bleomycin is a mixture of cytotoxic glycopeptide antibiotics isolated from a strain of Streptomyces verticillus. It is freely soluble in water. Although the exact mechanism of action of bleomycin is unknown, available evidence would seem to indicate that the main mode of action is the inhibition of DNA synthesis with some evidence of lesser inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis.
  • mice high concentrations of bleomycin are found in the skin, lungs, kidneys, peritoneum, and lymphatics. Tumor cells of the skin and lungs have been found to have high concentrations of bleomycin in contrast to the low concentrations found in hematopoietic tissue.
  • the low concentrations of bleomycin found in bone marrow may be related to high levels of bleomycin degradative enzymes found in that tissue.
  • the serum or plasma terminal elimination half- life of bleomycin is approximately 115 minutes.
  • the plasma or serum terminal elimination half-life increases exponentially as the creatinine clearance decreases.
  • 60% to 70% of an administered dose is recovered in the urine as active bleomycin.
  • Bleomycin should be considered a palliative treatment. It has been shown to be useful in the management of the following neoplasms either as a single agent or in proven combinations with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in squamous cell carcinoma such as head and neck (including mouth, tongue, tonsil, nasopharynx, oropharynx, sinus, palate, lip, buccal mucosa, gingiva, epiglottis, larynx), skin, penis, cervix, and vulva. It has also been used in the treatment of lymphomas and testicular carcinoma.
  • lymphoma patients should be treated with two units or less for the first two doses. If no acute reaction occurs, then the regular dosage schedule may be followed.
  • Bleomycin may be given by the intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous routes.
  • Cisplatin has been widely used to treat cancers such as metastatic testicular or ovarian carcinoma, advanced bladder cancer, head or neck cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer or other tumors. Cisplatin can be used alone or in combination with other agents, with efficacious doses used in clinical applications of 15-20 mg/m 2 for 5 days every three weeks for a total of three courses. Exemplary doses may be 0.50 mg/m 2 , 1.0mg/m 2 , 1.50 mg/m 2 , 1.75 mg/m 2 , 2.0 mg/m 2 , 3.0 mg/m 2 , 4.0 mg/m 2 , 5.0 mg/m 2 , 10mg//m 2 . Of course, all of these dosages are exemplary, and any dosage in-between these points is also expected to be of use in the invention.
  • Cisplatin is not absorbed orally and must therefore be delivered via injection intravenously, subcutaneously, intratumorally or intraperitoneally.
  • Cisplatin may also be used in combination with emodin or emodin-like compounds in the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma. Combination of cisplatin and emodin and or emodin-like compounds may also be used for the treatment of any «e «-mediated cancers.
  • VP16 is also know as etoposide and is used primarily for treatment of testicular tumors, in combination with bleomycin and cisplatin, and in combination with cisplatin for small-cell carcinoma of the lung. It is also active against non-
  • VP16 is available as a solution (20 mg/ml) for intravenous administration and as 50-mg, liquid-filled capsules for oral use.
  • the intravenous dose in combination therapy
  • the intravenous dose is can be as much as 100 mg/m 2 or as little as 2 mg/ m 2 , routinely 35 mg/m 2 , daily for 4 days, to 50 mg/m 2 , daily for 5 days have also been used.
  • the dose should be doubled.
  • the doses for small cell lung carcinoma may be as high as 200-250mg/m 2 .
  • the intravenous dose for testicular cancer (in combination therapy) is 50 to 100 mg/m daily for 5 days, or 100 mg/m 2 on alternate days, for three doses. Cycles of therapy are usually repeated every 3 to 4 weeks.
  • the drug should be administered slowly during a 30- to 60- minute infusion in order to avoid hypotension and bronchospasm, which are probably due to the solvents used in the formulation.
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor is a glycoprotein that kills some kinds of cancer cells, activates cytokine production, activates macrophages and endothelial cells, promotes the production of collagen and collagenases, is an inflammatory mediator and also a mediator of septic shock, and promotes catabolism, fever and sleep. Some infectious agents cause tumor regression through the stimulation of TNF production. TNF can be quite toxic when used alone in effective doses, so that the optimal regimens probably will use it in lower doses in combination with other drugs. Its immunosuppressive actions are potentiated by gamma-interferon, so that the combination potentially is dangerous. A hybrid of TNF and interferon- ⁇ also has been found to possess anti-cancer activity.
  • Taxol is an experimental antimitotic agent, isolated from the bark of the ash tree, Taxus brevifolia. It binds to tubulin (at a site distinct from that used by the vinca alkaloids) and promotes the assembly of microtubules. Taxol is currently being evaluated clinically; it has activity against malignant melanoma and carcinoma of the ovary. Maximal doses are 30 mg/m 2 per day for 5 days or 210 to 250 mg/m 2 given once every 3 weeks. Of course, all of these dosages are exemplary, and any dosage in-between these points is also expected to be of use in the invention.
  • Vincristine blocks mitosis and produces metaphase arrest. It seems likely that most of the biological activities of this drug can be explained by its ability to bind specifically to tubulin and to block the ability of protein to polymerize into microtubules. Through disruption of the microtubules of the mitotic apparatus, cell division is arrested in metaphase. The inability to segregate chromosomes correctly during mitosis presumably leads to cell death.
  • the relatively low toxicity of vincristine for normal marrow cells and epithelial cells make this agent unusual among anti-neoplastic drugs, and it is often included in combination with other myelosuppressive agents.
  • Vinblastine and vincristine bind to plasma proteins. They are extensively concentrated in platelets and to a lesser extent in leukocytes and erythrocytes.
  • Vincristine has a multiphasic pattern of clearance from the plasma; the terminal half-life is about 24 hours.
  • the drug is metabolized in the liver, but no biologically active derivatives have been identified.
  • Doses should be reduced in patients with hepatic dysfunction. At least a 50% reduction in dosage is indicated if the concentration of bilirubin in plasma is greater than 3 mg/dl (about 50 mM).
  • Vincristine sulfate is available as a solution (1 mg/ml) for intravenous injection. Vincristine used together with corticosteroids is presently the treatment of choice to induce remissions in childhood leukemia; the optimal dosages for these drugs appear to be vincristine, intravenously, 2 mg/m of body-surface area, weekly, and prednisolone, orally, 40 mg/m , daily.
  • Adult patients with Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphomas usually receive vincristine as a part of a complex protocol. When used in the MOPP regimen, the recommended dose of vincristine is 1.4 mg/m 2 .
  • Vincristine (and vinblastine) can be infused into the arterial blood supply of tumors in doses several times larger than those that can be administered intravenously with comparable toxicity. Vincristine has been effective in Hodgkin's disease and other lymphomas.
  • vincristine is an important agent, particularly when used with cyclophosphamide, bleomycin, doxorubicin, and prednisolone. Vincristine is more useful than vinblastine in lymphocytic leukemia.
  • Doses of vincristine for use will be determined by the clinician according to the individual patients need. 0.01 to 0.03mg/kg or 0.4 to 1.4mg/m 2 can be administered or 1.5 to 2mg/m 2 can also be administered. Alternatively 0.02 mg/m 2 , 0.05 mg/m 2 , 0.06 mg/m 2 , 0.07 mg/m 2 , 0.08 mg/m 2 , 0.1 mg/m 2 , 0.12 mg/m 2 , 0.14 mg/m 2 , 0.15 mg/m 2 , 0.2 mg/m 2 , 0.25mg/m 2 can be given as a constant intravenous infusion. Of course, all of these dosages are exemplary, and any dosage in-between these points is also expected to be of use in the invention.
  • Vinblastine When cells are incubated with vinblastine, dissolution of the microtubules occurs. Unpredictable abso ⁇ tion has been reported after oral administration of vinblastine or vincristine. At the usual clinical doses the peak concentration of each drug in plasma is approximately 0.4 mM. Vinblastine and vincristine bind to plasma proteins. They are extensively concentrated in platelets and to a lesser extent in leukocytes and erythrocytes.
  • vinblastine After intravenous injection, vinblastine has a multiphasic pattern of clearance from the plasma; after distribution, drug disappears from plasma with half-lives of approximately 1 and 20 hours. Vinblastine is metabolized in the liver to biologically activate derivative desacetylvinblastine. Approximately 15% of an administered dose is detected intact in the urine, and about 10% is recovered in the feces after biliary excretion. Doses should be reduced in patients with hepatic dysfunction. At least a 50% reduction in dosage is indicated if the concentration of bilirubin in plasma is greater than 3 mg/dl (about 50 mM).
  • Vinblastine sulfate is available in preparations for injection.
  • the drug is given intravenously; special precautions must be taken against subcutaneous extravasation, since this may cause painful irritation and ulceration.
  • the drug should not be injected into an extremity with impaired circulation.
  • myelosuppression reaches its maximum in 7 to 10 days. If a moderate level of leukopenia (approximately 3000 cells/mm ) is not attained, the weekly dose may be increased gradually by increments of 0.05 mg/kg of body weight.
  • vinblastine is used in doses of 0.3 mg/kg every 3 weeks irrespective of blood cell counts or toxicity.
  • vinblastine The most important clinical use of vinblastine is with bleomycin and cisplatin in the curative therapy of metastatic testicular tumors. Beneficial responses have been reported in various lymphomas, particularly Hodgkin's disease, where significant improvement may be noted in 50 to 90% of cases.
  • the effectiveness of vinblastine in a high proportion of lymphomas is not diminished when the disease is refractory to alkylating agents. It is also active in Kaposi's sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Letterer- Siwe disease (histiocytosis X), as well as in carcinoma of the breast and choriocarcinoma in women.
  • 0.1 to 0.3mg/kg can be administered or 1.5 to 2mg/m can also be administered.
  • Carmustine (sterile carmustine) is one of the nitrosoureas used in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases. It is l,3bis (2-chloroethyl)-l- nitrosourea.
  • Carmustine is lyophilized pale yellow flakes or congealed mass with a molecular weight of 214.06. It is highly soluble in alcohol and lipids, and poorly soluble in water. Carmustine is administered by intravenous infusion after reconstitution as recommended. Sterile carmustine is commonly available in 100 mg single dose vials of lyophilized material.
  • carmustine alkylates DNA and RNA it is not cross resistant with other alkylators. As with other nitrosoureas, it may also inhibit several key enzymatic processes by carbamoylation of amino acids in proteins.
  • Carmustine is indicated as palliative therapy as a single agent or in established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in brain tumors such as glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medullobladyoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors. Also it has been used in combination with prednisolone to treat multiple myeloma. Carmustine has proved useful, in the treatment of Hodgkin's Disease and in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, as secondary therapy in combination with other approved drugs in patients who relapse while being treated with primary therapy, or who fail to respond to primary therapy.
  • the recommended dose of carmustine as a single agent in previously untreated patients is 150 to 200 mg/m intravenously every 6 weeks. This may be given as a single dose or divided into daily injections such as 75 to 100 mg/m 2 on 2 successive days.
  • the doses should be adjusted accordingly. Doses subsequent to the initial dose should be adjusted according to the hematologic response of the patient to the preceding dose.
  • Melphalan also known as alkeran, L-phenylalanine mustard, phenylalanine mustard, L-PAM, or L-sarcolysin, is a phenylalanine derivative of nitrogen mustard.
  • Melphalan is a bifunctional alkylating agent which is active against selective human neoplastic diseases. It is known chemically as 4-[bis(2- chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanine.
  • Melphalan is the active L-isomer ofthe compound and was first synthesized in 1953 by Bergel and Stock; the D-isomer, known as medphalan, is less active against certain animal tumors, and the dose needed to produce effects on chromosomes is larger than that required with the L-isomer.
  • the racemic (DL-) form is known as me ⁇ halan or sarcolysin.
  • Melphalan is insoluble in water and has a pKai of ⁇ 2.1. Melphalan is available in tablet form for oral administration and has been used to treat multiple myeloma.
  • Melphalan has been used in the treatment of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
  • One commonly employed regimen for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma has been to administer melphalan at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg daily for five days as a single course. Courses are repeated every four to five weeks depending upon hematologic tolerance (Smith and Rutledge, 1975; Young et al, 1978).
  • the dose of melphalan used could be as low as 0.05mg/kg/day or as high as 3mg/kg/day or any dose in between these doses or above these doses.
  • Some variation in dosage will necessarily occur depending on the condition ofthe subject being treated. The person responsible for administration will, in any event, determine the appropriate dose for the individual subject. Cyclophosphamide.
  • Cyclophosphamide is 2H-l,3,2-Oxazaphosphorin-2- amine, N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)tetrahydro-, 2-oxide, monohydrate; termed Cytoxan available from Mead Johnson; and ⁇ eosar available from Adria. Cyclophosphamide is prepared by condensing 3-amino-l-propanol with N,N-bis(2-chlorethyl) phosphoramidic dichloride [(ClC ⁇ 2 C ⁇ 2 ) 2 ⁇ -POCl 2 ] in dioxane solution under the catalytic influence of triethylamine. The condensation is double, involving both the hydroxyl and the amino groups, thus effecting the cyclization.
  • the substance Unlike other ⁇ -chloroethylamino alkylators, it does not cyclize readily to the active ethyleneimonium form until activated by hepatic enzymes. Thus, the substance is stable in the gastrointestinal tract, tolerated well and effective by the oral and parental routes and does not cause local vesication, necrosis, phlebitis or even pain.
  • Suitable doses for adults include, orally, 1 to 5 mg/kg/day (usually in combination), depending upon gastrointestinal tolerance; or 1 to 2 mg/kg/day; intravenously, initially 40 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses over a period of 2 to 5 days or
  • a dose 250mg/kg/day may be administered as an antineoplastic. Because of gastrointestinal adverse effects, the intravenous route is preferred for loading. During maintenance, a leukocyte count of 3000 to 4000/mm 3 usually is desired. The dmg also sometimes is administered intramuscularly, by infiltration or into body cavities.
  • Chlorambucil Chlorambucil (also known as leukeran) was first synthesized by Everett et al. (1953). It is a bifunctional alkylating agent of the nitrogen mustard type that has been found active against selected human neoplastic diseases. Chlorambucil is known chemically as 4-[bis(2-chlorethyl)amino] benzenebutanoic acid. Chlorambucil is available in tablet form for oral administration. It is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. After single oral doses of 0.6-1.2 mg/kg, peak plasma chlorambucil levels are reached within one hour and the terminal half-life of the parent drug is estimated at 1.5 hours.
  • 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg/day or 3 to 6 mg/m 2 /day or alternatively 0.4 mg/kg may be used for antineoplastic treatment.
  • Treatment regimes are well know to those of skill in the art and can be found in the "Physicians Desk Reference” and in “Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences” referenced herein.
  • Chlorambucil is indicated in the treatment of chronic lymphatic (lymphocytic) leukemia, malignant lymphomas including lymphosarcoma, giant follicular lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. It is not curative in any of these disorders but may produce clinically useful palliation.
  • Busulfan (also known as myleran) is a bifunctional alkylating agent. Busulfan is known chemically as 1 ,4-butanediol dimethanesulfonate.
  • Busulfan is not a structural analog of the nitrogen mustards. Busulfan is available in tablet form for oral administration. Each scored tablet contains 2 mg busulfan and the inactive ingredients magnesium stearate and sodium chloride.
  • Busulfan is indicated for the palliative treatment of chronic myelogenous (myeloid, myelocytic, granulocytic) leukemia. Although not curative, busulfan reduces the total granulocyte mass, relieves symptoms of the disease, and improves the clinical state of the patient. Approximately 90% of adults with previously untreated chronic myelogenous leukemia will obtain hematologic remission with regression or stabilization of organomegaly following the use of busulfan. It has been shown to be superior to splenic irradiation with respect to survival times and maintenance of hemoglobin levels, and to be equivalent to irradiation at controlling splenomegaly.
  • Lomustine is one of the nitrosoureas used in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases. It is l-(2-chloro-ethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l nitrosourea. It is a yellow powder with the empirical formula of C 9 H ⁇ 6 ClN 3 ⁇ 2 and a molecular weight of 233.71.
  • Lomustine is soluble in 10% ethanol (0.05 mg per mL) and in absolute alcohol (70 mg per mL). Lomustine is relatively insoluble in water ( ⁇ 0.05 mg per mL). It is relatively unionized at a physiological pH.
  • Inactive ingredients in lomustine capsules are: magnesium stearate and mannitol.
  • lomustine alkylates DNA and RNA it is not cross resistant with other alkylators. As with other nitrosoureas, it may also inhibit several key enzymatic processes by carbamoylation of amino acids in proteins.
  • Lomustine may be given orally. Following oral administration of radioactive lomustine at doses ranging from 30 mg/m 2 to 100 mg/m 2 , about half of the radioactivity given was excreted in the form of degradation products within 24 hours.
  • the serum half-life of the metabolites ranges from 16 hours to 2 days. Tissue levels are comparable to plasma levels at 15 minutes after intravenous administration..
  • Lomustine has been shown to be useful as a single agent in addition to other treatment modalities, or in established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in both primary and metastatic brain tumors, in patients who have already received appropriate surgical and/or radiotherapeutic procedures. It has also proved effective in secondary therapy against Hodgkin's Disease in combination with other approved dmgs in patients who relapse while being treated with primary therapy, or who fail to respond to primary therapy.
  • the recommended dose of lomustine in adults and children as a single agent in previously untreated patients is 130 mg/m 2 as a single oral dose every 6 weeks. In individuals with compromised bone marrow function, the dose should be reduced to 100 mg/m every 6 weeks. When lomustine is used in combination with other myelosuppressive drugs, the doses should be adjusted accordingly. It is understood that other doses may be used for example, 20mg/m 2 , 30mg/m 2 , 40 mg/m 2 , 50mg/m 2 ,
  • CDDO-compounds as described in the present invention it may be desirable to combine these compositions with yet other agents effective in the treatment of cancer such as but not limited to those described below.
  • Radiotherapeutic agents and factors include radiation and waves that induce DNA damage for example, ⁇ -irradiation, X-rays, UN-irradiation, microwaves, electronic emissions, radioisotopes, and the like. Therapy may be achieved by irradiating the localized tumor site with the above described forms of radiations. It is most likely that all of these factors effect a broad range of damage D ⁇ A, on the precursors of D ⁇ A, the replication and repair of D ⁇ A, and the assembly and maintenance of chromosomes.
  • Dosage ranges for X-rays range from daily doses of 50 to 200 roentgens for prolonged periods of time (3 to 4 weeks), to single doses of 2000 to 6000 roentgens.
  • Dosage ranges for radioisotopes vary widely, and depend on the half-life of the isotope, the strength and type of radiation emitted, and the uptake by the neoplastic cells.
  • Curative surgery is a cancer treatment that may be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as the treatment of the present invention, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy and/or alternative therapies.
  • Curative surgery includes resection in which all or part of cancerous tissue is physically removed, excised, and/or destroyed.
  • Tumor resection refers to physical removal of at least part of a tumor.
  • treatment by surgery includes laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and miscopically controlled surgery (Mohs' surgery). It is further contemplated that the present invention may be used in conjunction with removal of superficial cancers, precancers, or incidental amounts of normal tissue.
  • a cavity may be formed in the body.
  • Treatment may be accomplished by perfusion, direct injection or local application ofthe area with an additional anti-cancer therapy.
  • Such treatment may be repeated, for example, every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days, or every 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks or every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months.
  • These treatments may be of varying dosages as well.
  • Immunotherapeutics generally, rely on the use of immune effector cells and molecules to target and destroy cancer cells.
  • the immune effector may be, for example, an antibody specific for some marker on the surface of a tumor cell.
  • the antibody alone may serve as an effector of therapy or it may recruit other cells to actually effect cell killing.
  • the antibody also may be conjugated to a drug or toxin (chemotherapeutic, radionuclide, ricin A chain, cholera toxin, pertussis toxin, etc.) and serve merely as a targeting agent.
  • the effector may be a lymphocyte carrying a surface molecule that interacts, either directly or indirectly, with a tumor cell target.
  • Various effector cells include cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. Immunotherapy could be used as part of a combined therapy, in conjunction with the CDDO-compounds-based therapy.
  • the immunotherapy can be used to target a tumor cell.
  • Common tumor markers include carcinoembryonic antigen, prostate specific antigen, urinary tumor associated antigen, fetal antigen, tyrosinase (p97), g ⁇ 68, TAG-72, HMFG, Sialyl Lewis Antigen, MucA, MucB, PLAP, estrogen receptor, laminin receptor, erb B and pi 55.
  • immune stimulating molecules also exist including: cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, GM-CSF, gamma-IFN, chemokines such as MIP-1, MCP-1, IL-8 and growth factors such as FLT3 ligand.
  • cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, GM-CSF, gamma-IFN
  • chemokines such as MIP-1, MCP-1, IL-8 and growth factors such as FLT3 ligand.
  • Combining immune stimulating molecules, either as proteins or using gene delivery in combination with the CDDO-compound based combination therapy of this invention will enhance anti-tumor effects.
  • an antigenic peptide, polypeptide or protein, or an autologous or allogenic tumor cell composition or "vaccine” is administered, generally with a distinct bacterial adjuvant (Ravindranath & Morton, 1991; Morton & Ravindranath, 1996; Morton et al, 1992; Mitchell et al, 1990; Mitchell et al, 1993).
  • lymphokines such as IL-2 or transduced with genes for tumor necrosis, and readministered (Rosenberg et al, 1988; 1989).
  • the activated lymphocytes will most preferably be the patient's own cells that were earlier isolated from a blood or tumor sample and activated (or "expanded") in vitro.
  • ERBB/HER Avian erythroblastosis Amplified, deleted EGF/TGF- ⁇ / virus; ALV promoter squamous cell Amphiregulin/ insertion; amplified cancer; glioblastoma Hetacellulin human tumors receptor
  • NGF nerve growth Factor
  • RET Translocations and point Sporadic thyroid cancer Orphan receptor mutations familial medullary Tyr thyroid cancer; Kinase multiple endocrine neoplasias 2A and 2B
  • ABI Abelson Mul.V Chronic myelogenous Interact with RB, leukemia translocation RNA with BCR polymerase, Gene Source Human Disease Function
  • LCK Mul V murine leukemia Src family, T cell virus
  • Drosophiha homology syndrome (Gorline transmembrane syndrome) domain, signals through Gh homogue
  • GL1 Amplified ghoma Ghoma Zinc finger, cubitus mterruptus homologue is in hedgehog signaling pathway, inhibitory link PTC and hedgehog
  • HMGI-C XT- hook
  • MLL/VHRX+ ELI/MEN Translocation/fusion Acute myeloid leukemia Gene fusion of ELL with MLL DNA- T ⁇ thorax-like gene binding and methyl transferase MLL
  • VHL Heritable suppressor Von Hippel-Landau Negative syndrome regulator or elongin, transcriptional elongation complex
  • T antigen tumors including factor; hereditary Li-Fraumeni checkpoint syndrome control, apoptosis
  • Parathyroid hormone B-CLL or IgG are Parathyroid hormone B-CLL or IgG
  • hyperthermia is a procedure in which a patient's tissue is exposed to high temperatures (up to 106°F).
  • External or internal heating devices may be involved in the application of local, regional, or whole-body hyperthermia.
  • Local hyperthermia involves the application of heat to a small area, such as a tumor. Heat may be generated externally with high- frequency waves targeting a tumor from a device outside the body. Internal heat may involve a sterile probe, including thin, heated wires or hollow tubes filled with warm water, implanted microwave antennae, or radiofrequency electrodes.
  • a patient's organ or a limb is heated for regional therapy, which is accomplished using devices that produce high energy, such as magnets.
  • some of the patient's blood may be removed and heated before being perfused into an area that will be internally heated.
  • Whole-body heating may also be implemented in cases where cancer has spread throughout the body. Warm-water blankets, hot wax, inductive coils, and thermal chambers may be used for this pu ⁇ ose.
  • Hormonal therapy may also be used in conjunction with the present invention.
  • the use of hormones may be employed in the treatment of certain cancers such as breast, prostate, ovarian, or cervical cancer to lower the level or block the effects of certain hormones such as testosterone or estrogen and this often reduces the risk of metastases.
  • expression vectors are employed to exogenously express a Bcl-2 polypeptide product in cells, especially lymphoid cells.
  • Expression requires that appropriate signals be provided in the vectors, and which include various regulatory elements, such as enhancers/promoters from both viral and mammalian sources that drive expression of the genes of interest in host cells.
  • Elements designed to optimize messenger RNA stability and translatability in host cells also are defined.
  • the conditions for the use of a number of dominant drug selection markers for establishing permanent, stable cell clones expressing the products are also provided, as is an element that links expression of the drug selection markers to expression of the polypeptide.
  • expression construct is meant to include any type of genetic construct containing a nucleic acid coding for a gene product in which part or all of the nucleic acid encoding sequence is capable of being transcribed and translated into a polypeptide product.
  • An “expression cassette” is defined as a nucleic acid encoding a gene product under transcriptional control of a promoter.
  • a “promoter” refers to a DNA sequence recognized by the synthetic machinery of the cell, or introduced synthetic machinery, required to initiate the specific transcription of a gene.
  • under transcriptional control means that the promoter is in the correct location and orientation in relation to the nucleic acid to control RNA polymerase initiation and expression ofthe gene.
  • promoter will be used here to refer to a group of transcriptional control modules that are clustered around the initiation site for RNA polymerase II.
  • Much of the thinking about how promoters are organized derives from analyses of several viral promoters, including those for the HSV thymidine kinase (tk) and SV40 early transcription units. These studies, augmented by more recent work, have shown that promoters are composed of discrete functional modules, each consisting of approximately 7-20 bp of DNA, and containing one or more recognition sites for transcriptional activator or repressor proteins.
  • At least one module in each promoter functions to position the start site for
  • RNA synthesis The best known example of this is the TATA box, but in some promoters lacking a TATA box, such as the promoter for the mammalian terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase gene and the promoter for the SV40 late genes, a discrete element overlying the start site itself helps to fix the place of initiation.
  • promoter elements regulate the frequency of transcriptional initiation. Typically, these are located in the region 30-110 bp upstream of the start site, although a number of promoters have recently been shown to contain functional elements downstream of the start site as well.
  • the spacing between promoter elements frequently is flexible, so that promoter function is preserved when elements are inverted or moved relative to one another. In the tk promoter, the spacing between promoter elements can be increased to 50 bp apart before activity begins to decline. Depending on the promoter, it appears that individual elements can function either co-operatively or independently to activate transcription.
  • the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early gene promoter can be used to obtain high-level expression of the coding sequence of interest.
  • CMV cytomegalovirus
  • the use of other viral or mammalian cellular or bacterial phage promoters which are well-known in the art to achieve expression of a coding sequence of interest is contemplated as well, provided that the levels of expression are sufficient for a given pu ⁇ ose.
  • a promoter By employing a promoter with well-known properties, the level and pattern of expression of the protein of interest following transfection or transformation can be optimized. Further, selection of a promoter that is regulated in response to specific • physiologic signals can permit inducible expression of the gene product.
  • Tables 2 and 3 list several regulatory elements that may be employed, in the context of the present invention, to regulate the expression of the gene of interest. This list is not intended to be exhaustive of all the possible elements involved in the promotion of gene expression but, merely, to be exemplary thereof.
  • Enhancers are genetic elements that increase transcription from a promoter located at a distant position on the same molecule of DNA. Enhancers are organized much like promoters. That is, they are composed of many individual elements, each of which binds to one or more transcriptional proteins.
  • enhancers The basic distinction between enhancers and promoters is operational. An enhancer region as a whole must be able to stimulate transcription at a distance; this need not be true of a promoter region or its component elements. On the other hand, a promoter must have one or more elements that direct initiation of RNA synthesis at a particular site and in a particular orientation, whereas enhancers lack these specificities. Promoters and enhancers are often overlapping and contiguous, often seeming to have a very similar modular organization. Below is a list of viral promoters, cellular promoters/enhancers and inducible promoters/enhancers that could be used in combination with the nucleic acid encoding a gene of interest in an expression construct (Table 2 and Table 3).
  • Eukaryotic Promoter Data Base EPDB any promoter/enhancer combination (as per the Eukaryotic Promoter Data Base EPDB) could also be used to drive expression of the gene.
  • Eukaryotic cells can support cytoplasmic transcription from certain bacterial promoters if the appropriate bacterial polymerase is provided, either as part of the delivery complex or as an additional genetic expression construct.
  • a cDNA insert where a cDNA insert is employed, one will typically desire to include a polyadenylation signal to effect proper polyadenylation of the gene transcript.
  • the nature of the polyadenylation signal is not believed to be crucial to the successful practice of the invention, and any such sequence may be employed such as human growth hormone and SV40 polyadenylation signals.
  • a terminator Also contemplated as an element of the expression cassette is a terminator. These elements can serve to enhance message levels and to minimize read through from the cassette into other sequences.
  • the cells contain nucleic acid constructs of the present invention
  • a cell may be identified in vitro or in vivo by including a marker in the expression construct.
  • markers would confer an identifiable change to the cell permitting easy identification of cells containing the expression construct.
  • a drug selection marker aids in cloning and in the selection of transformants, for example, genes that confer resistance to neomycin, puromycin, hygromycin, DHFR, GPT, zeocin and histidinol are useful selectable markers.
  • enzymes such as he ⁇ es simplex virus thymidine kinase (tk) or chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) may be employed.
  • Immunologic markers also can be employed. The selectable marker employed is not believed to be important, so long as it is capable of being expressed simultaneously with the nucleic acid encoding a gene product. Further examples of selectable markers are well known to one of skill in the art.
  • polyadenylation signals In expression, one will typically include a polyadenylation signal to effect proper polyadenylation of the transcript.
  • the nature of the polyadenylation signal is not believed to be crucial to the successful practice of the invention, and/or any such sequence may be employed.
  • Preferred embodiments include the SV40 polyadenylation signal and/or the bovine growth hormone polyadenylation signal, convenient and/or known to function well in various target cells.
  • a transcriptional termination site is also contemplated as an element of the expression cassette. These elements can serve to enhance message levels and/or to minimize read through from the cassette into other sequences.
  • vector is used to refer to a carrier nucleic acid molecule into which a nucleic acid sequence can be inserted for introduction into a cell where it can be replicated.
  • a nucleic acid sequence can be "exogenous,” which means that it is foreign to the cell into which the vector is being introduced or that the sequence is homologous to a sequence in the cell but in a position within the host cell nucleic acid in which the sequence is ordinarily not found.
  • a Bcl-2 from any cell may be expressed in a lymphoid cell that normally does not express Bcl-2.
  • Vectors include plasmids, cosmids, viruses (bacteriophage, animal viruses, and plant viruses), and artificial chromosomes (e.g., YACs).
  • viruses bacteriophage, animal viruses, and plant viruses
  • artificial chromosomes e.g., YACs.
  • One of skill in the art would be well equipped to construct a vector through standard recombinant techniques, which are described in Sambrook et al. (1989) and Ausubel et al. (1994), both inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • expression vector refers to a vector containing a nucleic acid sequence coding for at least part of a gene product capable of being transcribed. In some cases, RNA molecules are then translated into a protein, polypeptide, or peptide. In other cases, these sequences are not translated, for example, in the production of antisense molecules or ribozymes.
  • Expression vectors can contain a variety of "control sequences,” which refer to nucleic acid sequences necessary for the transcription and possibly translation of an operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. In addition to control sequences that govern transcription and translation, vectors and expression vectors may contain nucleic acid sequences that serve other functions as well and are described infra.
  • the expression construct comprises a virus or engineered construct derived from a viral genome.
  • the first viruses used as gene vectors were DNA viruses including the papovaviruses (simian virus 40, bovine papilloma virus, and polyoma) (Ridgeway, 1988; Baichwal and Sugden, 1986) and adeno viruses (Ridgeway, 1988; Baichwal and Sugden, 1986). These have a relatively low capacity for foreign DNA sequences and have a restricted host spectrum. Furthermore, their oncogenic potential and cytopathic effects in permissive cells raise safety concerns. They can accommodate only up to 8 kB of foreign genetic material but can be readily introduced in a variety of cell lines and laboratory animals (Nicolas and Rubenstein, 1988; Temin, 1986).
  • Adenovirus One of the methods for in vivo delivery involves the use of an adenovirus expression vector.
  • “Adenovirus expression vector” is meant to include those constructs containing adenovirus sequences sufficient to (a) support packaging of the construct and (b) to express an antisense polynucleotide that has been cloned therein. In this context, expression does not require that the gene product be synthesized.
  • the expression vector comprises a genetically engineered form of adenovirus.
  • the adenoviral infection of host cells does not result in chromosomal integration because adenoviral DNA can replicate in an episomal manner without potential genotoxicity.
  • adenoviruses are structurally stable, and no genome rearrangement has been detected after extensive amplification. Adenovirus can infect virtually all epithelial cells regardless of their cell cycle stage. So far, adenoviral infection appears to be linked only to mild disease such as acute respiratory disease in humans.
  • Adenovirus is particularly suitable for use as a gene transfer vector because of its mid-sized genome, ease of manipulation, high titer, wide target cell range and high infectivity. Both ends of the viral genome contain 100-200 base pair inverted repeats (ITRs), which are cis elements necessary for viral DNA replication and packaging.
  • ITRs inverted repeats
  • the early (E) and late (L) regions of the genome contain different transcription units that are divided by the onset of viral DNA replication.
  • the El region (El A and E1B) encodes proteins responsible for the regulation of transcription of the viral genome and a few cellular genes.
  • the expression of the E2 region results in the synthesis ofthe proteins for viral DNA replication.
  • MLP major late promoter
  • TPL 5 '-tripartite leader
  • recombinant adenovirus is generated from homologous recombination between shuttle vector and provirus vector. Due to the possible recombination between two pro viral vectors, wild-type adenovirus may be generated from this process. Therefore, it is critical to isolate a single clone of virus from an individual plaque and examine its genomic structure.
  • adenovirus generation and propagation of the current adenovirus vectors, which are replication deficient, depend on a unique helper cell line, designated 293, which was transformed from human embryonic kidney cells by Ad5 DNA fragments and constitutively expresses El proteins (Graham et al, 1977). Since the E3 region is dispensable from the adenovirus genome (Jones and Shenk, 1978), the current adenovirus vectors, with the help of 293 cells, carry foreign DNA in either the El, the D3 or both regions (Graham and Prevec, 1991). In nature, adenovirus can package approximately 105% of the wild-type genome (Ghosh-Choudhury et al, 1987), providing capacity for about 2 extra kb of DNA.
  • the maximum capacity of the current adenovirus vector is under 7.5 kb, or about 15% of the total length of the vector. More than 80% of the adenovirus viral genome remains in the vector backbone and is the source of vector-borne cytotoxicity. Also, the replication deficiency of the El-deleted virus is incomplete. For example, leakage of viral gene expression has been observed with the currently available vectors at high multiplicities of infection (MOI) (Mulligan, 1993).
  • MOI multiplicities of infection
  • Helper cell lines may be derived from human cells such as human embryonic kidney cells, muscle cells, hematopoietic cells or other human embryonic mesenchymal or epithelial cells.
  • the helper cells may be derived from the cells of other mammalian species that are permissive for human adenovirus. Such cells include, e.g., Vero cells or other monkey embryonic mesenchymal or epithelial cells.
  • the preferred helper cell line is 293.
  • Racher et al (1995) disclosed improved methods for culturing 293 cells and propagating adenovirus.
  • natural cell aggregates are grown by inoculating individual cells into 1 liter siliconized spinner flasks (Techne, Cambridge, UK) containing 100-200 ml of medium. Following stirring at 40 ⁇ , the cell viability is estimated with trypan blue.
  • Fibra-Cel microcarriers (Bibby Sterlin, Stone, UK) (5 g/1) is employed as follows.
  • a cell innoculum, resuspended in 5 ml of medium, is added to the carrier (50 ml) in a 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask and left stationary, with occasional agitation, for 1 to 4 h.
  • the medium is then replaced with 50 ml of fresh medium and shaking initiated.
  • cells are allowed to grow to about 80% confluence, after which time the medium is replaced (to 25% of the final volume) and adenovirus added at an MOI of 0.05. Cultures are left stationary overnight, following which the volume is increased to 100% and shaking commenced for another 72 h.
  • the adenovirus may be of any of the 42 different known serotypes or subgroups A-F.
  • Adenovirus type 5 of subgroup C is the preferred starting material in order to obtain the conditional replication-defective adenovirus vector for use in the present invention. This is because Adenovirus type 5 is a human adenovirus about which a great deal of biochemical and genetic information is known, and it has historically been used for most constructions employing adenovirus as a vector.
  • the typical vector according to the present invention is replication defective and will not have an adenovirus El region.
  • the position of insertion ofthe construct within the adenovirus sequences is not critical to the invention.
  • the polynucleotide encoding the gene of interest may also be inserted in lieu of the deleted E3 region in E3 replacement vectors, as described by Karlsson et al. (1986), or in the E4 region where a helper cell line or helper virus complements the E4 defect.
  • Adenovirus is easy to grow and manipulate and exhibits broad host range in vitro and in vivo. This group of viruses can be obtained in high titers, e.g., 10 9 -10 12 plaque-forming units per ml, and they are highly infective. The life cycle of adenovirus does not require integration into the host cell genome. The foreign genes delivered by adenovirus vectors are episomal and, therefore, have low genotoxicity to host cells. No side effects have been reported in studies of vaccination with wild-type adenovirus (Couch et al, 1963; Top et al, 1971), demonstrating their safety and therapeutic potential as in vivo gene transfer vectors.
  • Adenovirus vectors have been used in eukaryotic gene expression (Levrero et al, 1991; Gomez-Foix et al, 1992) and vaccine development (Grunhaus & Horwitz, 1992; Graham and Prevec, 1991). Recently, animal studies suggested that recombinant adenovirus could be used for gene therapy (Stratford-Perricaudet & Perricaudet, 1991; Stratford-Perricaudet et al, 1990; Rich et al, 1993).
  • Retrovirus The retroviruses are a group of single-stranded RNA viruses characterized by an ability to convert their RNA to double-stranded DNA in infected cells by a process of reverse-transcription (Coffin, 1990). The resulting DNA then stably integrates into cellular chromosomes as a provirus and directs synthesis of viral proteins. The integration results in the retention of the viral gene sequences in the recipient cell and its descendants.
  • the retroviral genome contains three genes, gag, pol, and env that code for capsid proteins, polymerase enzyme, and envelope components, respectively. A sequence found upstream from the gag gene contains a signal for packaging of the genome into virions. Two long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences are present at the 5' and 3' ends of the viral genome. These contain strong promoter and enhancer sequences and are also required for integration in the host cell genome (Coffin, 1990).
  • LTR long terminal repeat
  • a nucleic acid encoding a gene of interest is inserted into the viral genome in the place of certain viral sequences to produce a virus that is replication-defective.
  • a packaging cell line containing the gag, pol, and env genes but without the LTR and packaging components is constructed (Mann et al, 1983).
  • Retroviral vectors are able to infect a broad variety of cell types. However, integration and stable expression require the division of host cells (Paskind et al, 1975).
  • retrovirus vectors usually integrate into random sites in the cell genome. This can lead to insertional mutagenesis through the interruption of host genes or through the insertion of viral regulatory sequences that can interfere with the function of flanking genes (Varmus et al, 1981).
  • Another concern with the use of defective retrovirus vectors is the potential appearance of wild-type replication-competent virus in the packaging cells. This can result from recombination events in which the intact- sequence from the recombinant virus inserts upstream from the gag, pol, env sequence integrated in the host cell genome.
  • new packaging cell lines are now available that should greatly decrease the likelihood of recombination (Markowitz et al, 1988; Hersdorffer et al, 1990).
  • Adeno-associated virus is an attractive virus for delivering foreign genes to mammalian subjects (Ridgeway, 1988; Baichwal and Sugden, 1986; Hermonat and Muzycska, 1984).
  • AAV utilizes a linear, single- stranded DNA of about 4700 base pairs. Inverted terminal repeats flank the genome. Two genes are present within the genome, giving rise to a number of distinct gene products. The first, the cap gene, produces three different virion proteins (VP), designated VP-1, NP-2 and VP-3. The second, the rep gene, encodes four non- structural proteins ( ⁇ S). One or more of these rep gene products is responsible for transactivating AAV transcription.
  • the sequence of AAV is provided by U.S. Patent 5,252,479 (entire text of which is specifically inco ⁇ orated herein by reference).
  • the three promoters in AAV are designated by their location, in map units, in the genome. These are, from left to right, p5, pi 9 and p40. Transcription gives rise to six transcripts, two initiated at each of three promoters, with one of each pair being spliced.
  • the splice site derived from map units 42-46, is the same for each transcript.
  • the four non-structural proteins apparently are derived from the longer of the transcripts, and three virion proteins all arise from the smallest transcript.
  • AAV is not associated with any pathologic state in humans.
  • AAV requires "helping" functions from viruses such as he ⁇ es simplex virus I and II, cytomegalovirus, pseudorabies virus and, of course, adenovirus.
  • the best characterized of the helpers is adenovirus, and many "early" functions for this virus have been shown to assist with AAV replication.
  • Low level expression of AAV rep proteins is believed to hold AAV structural expression in check, and helper virus infection is thought to remove this block.
  • the terminal repeats of the AAV vector of the present invention can be obtained by restriction endonuclease digestion of AAV or a plasmid such as p201, which contains a modified AAV genome (Samulski et al, 1987).
  • the terminal repeats may be obtained by other methods known to the skilled artisan, including but not limited to chemical or enzymatic synthesis of the terminal repeats based upon the published sequence of AAV.
  • the ordinarily skilled artisan can determine, by well-known methods such as deletion analysis, the minimum sequence or part of the AAV ITRs which is required to allow function, t.e., stable and site- specific integration.
  • the ordinarily skilled artisan also can determine which minor modifications of the sequence can be tolerated while maintaining the ability of the terminal repeats to direct stable, site-specific integration.
  • Viruses Other viral vectors may be employed as expression constructs in the present invention.
  • Vectors derived from viruses such as vaccinia virus (Ridgeway, 1988; Baichwal and Sugden, 1986; Coupar et al, 1988) and he ⁇ esviruses may be employed. They offer several attractive features for various mammalian cells (Friedmann, 1989; Ridgeway, 1988; Baichwal and Sugden, 1986; Coupar et al, 1988; Horwich et al, 1990).
  • Non-Viral Methods Several non-viral methods for the transfer of expression constructs into mammalian cells also are contemplated by the present invention. These include DEAE-dextran (Gopal, 1985), electroporation (Tur-Kaspa et al, 1986; Potter et al, 1984), direct microinjection (Harland and Weintraub, 1985), lipofectamine-DNA complexes, cell sonication (Fechheimer et al, 1987), and receptor-mediated transfection (Wu and Wu, 1987; Wu and Wu, 1988).
  • the expression construct may simply consist of naked recombinant DNA or plasmids. Transfer ofthe construct may be performed by any of the methods mentioned above which physically or chemically permeabilize the cell membrane. This is particularly applicable for transfer in vitro but it may be applied to in vivo use as well.
  • Dubensky et al. (1984) successfully injected polyomavirus DNA in the form of calcium phosphate precipitates into liver and spleen of adult and newborn mice demonstrating active viral replication and acute infection. Benvenisty and Neshif (1986) also demonstrated that direct intraperitoneal injection of calcium phosphate-precipitated plasmids results in expression of the transfected genes. It is envisioned that DNA encoding a gene of interest may also be transferred in a similar manner in vivo and express the gene product.
  • Liposomes In a further embodiment of the invention, the expression construct may be entrapped in a liposome.
  • Liposomes are vesicular structures characterized by a phospholipid bilayer membrane and an inner aqueous medium. Multilamellar liposomes have multiple lipid layers separated by aqueous medium. They form spontaneously when phospho lipids are suspended in an excess of aqueous solution. The lipid components undergo self-rearrangement before the formation of closed structures and entrap water and dissolved solutes between the lipid bilayers (Ghosh and Bachhawat, 1991). Also contemplated are Lipofectamine®-DNA complexes. Liposome-mediated nucleic acid delivery and expression of foreign DNA in vitro has been very successful. Wong et al. (1980) demonstrated the feasibility of liposome-mediated delivery and expression of foreign DNA in cultured chick embryo,
  • HeLa and hepatoma cells were assembled from Nicolau et al. (1987) and successful liposome- mediated gene transfer in rats after intravenous injection.
  • the liposome may be complexed with a hemagglutinating virus (HVJ). This has been shown to facilitate fusion with the cell membrane and promote cell entry of liposome-encapsulated DNA (Kaneda et al, 1989).
  • the liposome may be complexed or employed in conjunction with nuclear non-histone chromosomal proteins (HMG-1) (Kato et al, 1991).
  • HMG-1 nuclear non-histone chromosomal proteins
  • the liposome may be complexed or employed in conjunction with both HVJ and HMG-1.
  • expression constructs have been successfully employed in transfer and expression of nucleic acid in vitro and in vivo, then they are applicable for the present invention.
  • a bacterial promoter is employed in the DNA construct, it also will be desirable to include within the liposome an appropriate bacterial polymerase.
  • receptor-mediated delivery vehicles which can be employed to deliver a nucleic acid encoding a particular gene into cells. These take advantage of the selective uptake of macromolecules by receptor-mediated endocytosis in almost all eukaryotic cells. Because of the cell type-specific distribution of various receptors, the delivery can be highly specific (Wu and Wu, 1993).
  • Receptor-mediated gene targeting vehicles generally consist of two components: a cell receptor-specific ligand and a DNA-binding agent.
  • ligands have been used for receptor-mediated gene transfer. The most extensively characterized ligands are asialoorosomucoid (ASOR) (Wu and Wu, 1987) and transferrin (Wagner et al, 1990).
  • ASOR asialoorosomucoid
  • transferrin Wang a synthetic neoglycoprotein, which recognizes the same receptor as ASOR, has been used as a gene delivery vehicle (Ferkol et al, 1993; Perales et al, 1994) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) has also been used to deliver genes to squamous carcinoma cells (Myers, EPO 0 273 085).
  • the delivery vehicle may comprise a ligand and a liposome.
  • a ligand and a liposome For example, Nicolau et al. (1987) employed lactosyl-ceramide, a galactose-terminal asialganglioside, inco ⁇ orated into liposomes and observed an increase in the uptake of the insulin gene by hepatocytes.
  • a nucleic acid encoding a particular gene also may be specifically delivered into a cell type by any number of receptor-ligand systems with or without liposomes.
  • epidermal growth factor (EGF) may be used as the receptor for mediated delivery of a nucleic acid into cells that exhibit upregulation of EGF receptor.
  • Mannose can be used to target the mannose receptor on liver cells.
  • a method of treatment for a cancer by administering to a cancer cell CDDO-compound and a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the combination of the CDDO-compound with the chemotherapeutic agent is effective in inducing cytotoxicity in said cell
  • An effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is defined as that amount sufficient to detectably and repeatedly to ameliorate, reduce, minimize or limit the extent of the disease or its symptoms. More rigorous definitions may apply, including elimination, eradication or cure of disease.
  • the routes of administration will vary, naturally, with the location and nature of the lesion, and include, e.g., intradermal, transdermal, parenteral, intravenous, intra-arterial, intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous, percutaneous, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, perfusion, lavage, direct injection, ex vivo bone marrow or blood cell purging, and oral administration and formulation.
  • Intratumoral injection, or injection into the tumor vasculature is specifically contemplated for discrete, solid, accessible tumors.
  • Local, regional or systemic administration also may be appropriate.
  • the present invention may be used before surgery, at the time of surgery, and/or thereafter, to treat residual or metastatic disease.
  • a resected tumor bed may be injected or perfused with a formulation comprising the combination of the CDDO-compound and other chemotherapeutic therapy of this invention.
  • the perfusion may be continued post- resection, for example, by leaving a catheter implanted at the site of the surgery.
  • Periodic post-surgical treatment also is envisioned. Ex vivo purging is an important method of administration that is contemplated.
  • Continuous administration also may be applied where appropriate, for example, where a tumor is excised and the tumor bed is treated to eliminate residual, microscopic disease. Delivery may be via syringe or catherization. Such continuous perfusion may take place for a period from about 1-2 hours, to about 2-6 hours, to about 6-12 hours, to about 12-24 hours, to about 1-2 days, to about 1-2 wk or longer following the initiation of treatment. Generally, the dose of the therapeutic composition via continuous perfusion will be equivalent to that given by a single or multiple injections, adjusted over a period of time during which the perfusion occurs. It is further contemplated that limb perfusion may be used to administer therapeutic compositions of the present invention, particularly in the treatment of melanomas and sarcomas.
  • Treatment regimens may vary as well, and often depend on tumor type, tumor location, disease progression, and health and age of the patient. Obviously, certain types of tumors will require more aggressive treatment, while at the same time, certain patients cannot tolerate more taxing protocols. The clinician will be best suited to make such decisions based on the known efficacy and toxicity (if any) of the therapeutic formulations.
  • Solutions of the active compounds as free base or pharmacologically acceptable salts may be prepared in water suitably mixed with a surfactant, such as hydroxypropylcellulose. Dispersions may also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
  • the pharmaceutical forms suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions (U.S. Patent 5,466,468, specifically inco ⁇ orated herein by reference in its entirety).
  • the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and/or vegetable oils.
  • a coating such as lecithin
  • surfactants for example
  • the prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars or sodium chloride.
  • Prolonged abso ⁇ tion of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying abso ⁇ tion, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • aqueous solutions For parenteral administration in an aqueous solution, for example, the solution should be suitably buffered if necessary and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose.
  • aqueous solutions are especially suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intratumoral and intraperitoneal administration.
  • sterile aqueous media that can be employed will be known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
  • one dosage may be dissolved in 1 ml of isotonic NaCl solution and either added to 1000 ml of hypodermoclysis fluid or injected at the proposed site of infusion, (see for example, "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” 15th Edition, pages 1035-1038 and 1570-1580).
  • Some variation in dosage will necessarily occur depending on the condition of the subject being treated.
  • the person responsible for administration will, in any event, determine the appropriate dose for the individual subject.
  • preparations should meet sterility, pyrogenicity, general safety and purity standards as required by FDA Office of Biologies standards.
  • Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by inco ⁇ orating the active compounds in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
  • dispersions are prepared by inco ⁇ orating the various sterilized active ingredients into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • the preferred methods of preparation are vaccuum-drying and freeze-drying techniques which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
  • compositions disclosed herein may be formulated in a neutral or salt form.
  • Pharmaceutically-acceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the protein) and which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, histidine. procaine and the like.
  • solutions will be administered in a manner compatible with the dosage formulation and in such amount as is therapeutically effective.
  • the formulations are easily administered in a variety of dosage forms such as injectable solutions, drug release capsules and the like.
  • carrier includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, vehicles, coatings, diluents, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and abso ⁇ tion delaying agents, buffers, carrier solutions, suspensions, colloids, and the like.
  • carrier includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, vehicles, coatings, diluents, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and abso ⁇ tion delaying agents, buffers, carrier solutions, suspensions, colloids, and the like.
  • the use of such media and agents for pharmaceutical active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients can also be inco ⁇ orated into the compositions.
  • phrases "pharmaceutically-acceptable” or “pharmacologically-acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an allergic or similar untoward reaction when administered to a human.
  • the preparation of an aqueous composition that contains a protein as an active ingredient is well understood in the art.
  • such compositions are prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions; solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid prior to injection can also be prepared.
  • Candidates for the phase 1 clinical trial will be patients on which all conventional therapies have failed. Approximately 100 patients will be treated initially. Their age will range from 16 to 90 (median 65) years. Patients will be treated, and samples obtained, without bias to sex, race, or ethnic group. For this patient population of approximately 41% will be women, 6% will be black, 13% Hispanic, and 3% other minorities. These estimates are based on consecutive cases seen at MD Anderson Cancer Center over the last 5 years.
  • the patient will exhibit adequate bone marrow function (defined as peripheral absolute granulocyte count of > 2,000/mm 3 and platelet count of 100,000/mm 3 , adequate liver function (bilirubin 1.5mg/dl) and adequate renal function (creatinine 1.5mg/dl).
  • adequate bone marrow function defined as peripheral absolute granulocyte count of > 2,000/mm 3 and platelet count of 100,000/mm 3
  • adequate liver function bilirubin 1.5mg/dl
  • adequate renal function creatinine 1.5mg/dl
  • a typical treatment course may comprise about six doses delivered over a 7 to 21 day period.
  • the regimen may be continued with six doses every three weeks or on a less frequent (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly etc.) basis.
  • the modes of administration may be local administration, including, by intratumoral injection and/or by injection into tumor vasculature, intratracheal, endoscopic, subcutaneos, and/or percutaneous.
  • the mode of administration may be systemic, including, intravenous, intra-arterial, intra-peritoneal and/or oral administration.
  • CDDO and retinoids will be administered. In other embodiments, CDDO-Me and retinoids will be administered.
  • CDDO will be administered at dosages in the range of 5-30 mg/kg intravenously or 5-100 mg/kg orally.
  • CDDO-Me will be administered in the range of 5-100 mg/kg intravenously or 5-100 mg/kg orally for 3-30 days.
  • the retinoid may be all-tr ⁇ ws-retinoic acid (ATRA), 9-c/s-retinoic acid, LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], CD437 or any RXR- or RAR-specific retinoic acid.
  • ATRA all-tr ⁇ ws-retinoic acid
  • 9-c/s-retinoic acid LG100268, LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene), fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR], CD437 or any RXR- or RAR-specific
  • the retinoids are liposomal formulations.
  • a liposomal formulation of ATRA is administered a range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day intravenously.
  • Non-liposomal ATRA may be administered orally in the range of 10-100 mg/m 2 /day.
  • 9-cis-Retinoid acid may be administered in the range of 20-150 mg/m 2 twice a day orally.
  • one may administer 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, or 150 mg/m 2 of 9-cis-retinoid.
  • LG100268 is be effective in a dose range of 5-50 mg/kg.
  • 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, to 50mg/kg of LG100268 may be administered to a patient.
  • LGD1069 (Targretin, bexarotene) capsules are contemplated for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who have refractory or resistant disease after other therapies.
  • CTCL cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  • the dose ranges of these capusles is 300-400 mg/m /day orally.
  • LGD1069 gel at 1 % may also be used for the topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with CTCL (Stage (1A and IB) who have refractory or resistant disease after other therapies; two to four times daily.
  • Fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4- HPR] is contemplated useful at 25-600 mg daily and the administration in some embodiments may be continuous.
  • CDDO-compounds and other chemotherapeutic drugs such as Doxorubicin, Mylotarg, Dolastatin-10, Bryostatin or any other chemotherapeutic drug used in cancer therapy will be administered to patients in need thereof.
  • Taxol is usually administered by IV at one dose of 130-250 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks
  • Vincristine is usually administered by IV at one dose of 1-1.4 mg/m 2 every week
  • Vinblastine is usually given by IV at one dose of 6 mg/m 2 every week, or at a dose of 2 mg/m 2 as a continuous infusion for 5 days every 3 weeks
  • VP-16 etoposide
  • Actinomycin D is usually administered by IV at one dose of 0.6 mg/m every day for 5 days
  • Doxorubicin is typically administered by
  • Daunorubicin is usually administered by IV at a dose of 30 mg/m for 3 days every 3 weeks, liposomal Daunorubicin 40-100 mg/m 2 every day for 3 days, Idambicin is usually administered by IV at a dose of 13 mg/m 2 every day for 3 days, Mitomycin-C is usually administered by IV at a dose of 10 mg/m 2 every day for 3 days, and is repeated every 3 weeks, Actinomycin D IV 0.3-06 mg/m every day for 5 days, Bleomycin can be administered by IV, IM, or SC at one dose of 2-15 mg/m every week, Methrotrexate may be administered by IV or IM at a dose of 25 mg/m 2 twice weekly, it may also be administered in a high dose of >500 mg/m every 3 weeks in conjunction with IV leucovorin at a dose of 15 mg/m 2 every 6 hours for 7 doses, Cisplatin
  • 5-Fluorouracil can be administered by IV at a dose of 500 mg/m 2 every week or for 5 days every 4 weeks, it can also be administered by IV at a dose of 800-1200 mg/m every 3-4 weeks.
  • Another administration method is intraarterial (IA) at a dose of 800-1200 mg/m 2 every day for 14-21 days.
  • 5-Fluorouracil can also be administered IV at a dose of 375-600 mg/m once every week for 6 weeks in conjunction with IV leucovorin at a dose of 500 mg/m once every week for 6 weeks.
  • Cytarabine can be administered by IV at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 every 12 hours for 5-10 days or by continuous infusion. Hydroxyurea can be administered by IV at a dose of 1000-1500 mg/m 2 every day for 5 days or orally at a dose of 1000 mg/m 2 every day. Fludarabine can be administered by IV at a dose of 25 mg/m 2 every day for 5 days. Cyclophosphamide IV 400 mg/m 2 bolus every day for 5 days; Orally 100-300 mg every day for 14 days. Carmusitin (BCNU) 200-225 mg/m 2 once every 6 weeks. Melphalan IV 8 mg/m 2 every day for 5 days; orally 4 mg/m 2 daily.
  • BCNU Carmusitin
  • TRAIL is another biotherapeutic agent that may be used in conjuction with the CDDO-compounds presented herein.
  • TRAIL is a member of tumor necrosis factor family of cytokines. Trials in humans are underway, so the exact MTD is not known at this point. In mice, daily injections of 200-1000 ⁇ g of TRAIL (14 days) significantly increased survival of tumor-bearing mice (see Walczak et al, 1999). Combination of 250-500 ⁇ g of TRAIL synergistically enhanced effect of chemotherapy in mice bearing human colon carcinoma tumors (Gliniak et al, 1999). Thus, the inventors contemplate using Dolastatin-10 IV 300-
  • chemotherapeutics that are differentiating agents such as Sodium Phenylacetate (NAP A) at a dose of 200-600 mg/kg/day IV continuous infusion for 14 days and/or Sodium Butyrate (NAPB)-500- 2000 mg/kg/day for 7 days IV continuous infusion, SAHA or other histone deacetylase inhibitors.
  • NAP A Sodium Phenylacetate
  • NAPB Sodium Butyrate
  • the patients should be examined for appropriate tests every month.
  • the physician will determine parameters to be monitored depending on the type of cancer/tumor and will involve methods to monitor reduction in tumor mass by for example computer tomography (CT) scans, detection of the presense of the PSA (prostrate specific antigen) in prostrate cancer, HCG in germ tumor and the like.
  • CT computer tomography
  • PSA prostrate specific antigen
  • Tests that will be used to monitor the progress ofthe patients and the effectiveness ofthe treatments include: physical exam, X-ray, blood work, bone marrow work and other clinical laboratory methodologies.
  • the doses given in the phase 1 study will be escalated as is done in standard phase 1 clinical phase trials, t.e., doses will be escalated until maximal tolerable ranges are reached.
  • Clinical responses may be defined by acceptable measure. For example, a complete response may be defined by complete disappearance of the leukemia or cancer cells, whereas a partial response may be defined by a 50% reduction of leukemia or cancer cells.
  • the typical course of treatment will vary depending upon the individual patient and disease being treated in ways known to those of skill in the art. For example, a patient with AML might be treated in four week cycles, although longer duration may be used if no adverse effects are observed with the patient, and shorter terms of treatment may result if the patient does not tolerate the treatment as hoped. This treatment may be repeated for 6-24 months.
  • HL-60, KG-1, U937, and Jurkat cell lines were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, MD).
  • NB4 cells were kindly provided by Dr. M. Lanotte.
  • HL-60-doxorubicin-resistant cells (HL-60-DOX) were also used.
  • U937/Bcl-2 and its appropriate vector controls (U937/pCEP) were provided by Dr. S. Grant.
  • U937 cells were transfected with WT, S70A, or S70E cDNA containing cytomegalovirus plasmids by electroporation (200 V, 975 ⁇ F capacitance) and selected and maintained in the medium plus 500 ⁇ g/mL G418 (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, MD)
  • Samples of bone marrow or peripheral blood were obtained for in vitro studies from patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent AML with high (>70%) blast count and from patients with myeloid transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Informed consent was obtained following institutional guidelines. Mononuclear cells were separated by Ficoll-Hypaque (Sigma Chemical Co) density- gradient centrifugation.
  • Leukemic cell lines were cultured at a density of 3.0 x 10 5 cells/mL, and AML mononuclear cells at 5 x 10 5 cells/mL in the presence or absence of indicated concentrations of CDDO-Me. Appropriate amounts of DMSO (final concentration ⁇ 0.05%) was included as a control.
  • DMSO final concentration ⁇ 0.05% was included as a control.
  • l ⁇ M ara-C was added to the cultures. After 24-72 hours, viable cells were counted with the Trypan blue-dye exclusion method using a hematocytometer.
  • the cell cycle kinetics was determined by staining cells with acridine orange for cellular DNA and RNA content followed by flow cytometeric analysis as described. Samples were measured in a FACScan flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA) using the 488-nm line of a 15-nm argon laser and filter settings for green (530 nm) (DNA) and red (585 nm) (RNA) fluorescence. Ten thousand events were stored in list mode for analysis. The percentage of cells in the "sub Gi peak" defined the proportion of apoptotic cells in the tested populations. Cell debris was defined as events in the lowest 10% range of fluorescence, and these results were eliminated from analysis.
  • AML blast colony assay A previously described method was used to measure AML blast colony formation. Briefly, 1 x 10 5 T-cell-depleted, nonadherent, low- density bone marrow cells were plated in 0.8% methylcellulose in lscove's modified Dulbecco's medium (IMDM; Gibco Laboratories, Grand Island, NY) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 15 ng/mL recombinant human granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF). CDDO or CDDO-Me was added at the initiation of cultures at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 ⁇ g/mL. AML blast colonies were evaluated under a microscope on day 7 of culture in duplicate dishes.
  • IMDM lscove's modified Dulbecco's medium
  • hGM-CSF recombinant human granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor
  • BFU-E burst forming unit-erythroid
  • HM supernatant was centrifuged at 150,000 x g to pellet the plasma membranes, and the supernatant represented the cytosol (Cyt). Subcellular fractions were subjected to denaturing electrophoresis in a 12% acrylamide/0.1% SDS gel and transferred to nitrocellulose for Bax western blotting.
  • ERK 1/2 was immunoprecipitated from 2 x 10 7 K562 or 1 x 10 7 HL60 cells using a specific anti-ERK 1/2 antibody and Protein A agarose (Life Technologies, Rockville, MD). The ERK-containing agarose pellet was resuspended in Assay Buffer containing an inhibitor cocktail (PKC inhibitor peptide, PKA inhibitor peptide, and Compound R24571) to block possible contaminating non-ERK kinases.
  • PKC inhibitor peptide PKA inhibitor peptide
  • Compound R24571 Compound R24571
  • varying concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 ⁇ M) of CDDO or CDDO-Me was added.
  • Dephosphorylated myelin basic protein (MBP; 25 ⁇ g) was used as substrate. Phosphorylation of MBP was observed by using an anti-phospho-MBP antibody.
  • MBP Dephosphorylated myelin basic protein
  • As a negative control a lysate containing inactive ERK (obtained from K562 cells treated for 4 hrs in vivo with 10 ⁇ M of MEK inhibitor PD58059) was used in the assay. The amount of ERK2 immunoprecipitated from each sample was detennined by using anti-ERK2 antibody.
  • K562 cells For K562 cells, a control was performed to determine that CDDO or CDDO- Me could at least inhibit ERK upstream, if not directly. K562 cells were treated in vivo for 4 hrs with 1 ⁇ M CDDO-Me and lysate from these cells was used in the in vitro kinase assay.
  • the PE-conjugated anti-CDl lb, FITC-conjugated anti- CD 14 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (Becton Dickinson) and PE-conjugated anti-CD95 mAb (PharMingen) were used at a 1/10 dilution.
  • the percentage of positive cells was calculated by subtracting the percentage of cells with a fluorescence intensity greater than the set marker using the isotype control (background) from the percentage of cells with a fluorescence intensity greater than the same marker using the specific antibody.
  • Annexin V staining Cells were washed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and resuspended in 100 ⁇ l of binding buffer containing Annexin V (Roche Diagnostic Co ⁇ oration, Indianapolis, IN). Cells were analyzed by flow cytometry after the addition of propidium iodide (PI). Annexin V binds to those cells that express phosphatidylserine on the outer layer of the cell membrane, and PI stains the cellular DNA of those cells with a compromised cell membrane.
  • PBS phosphate-buffered saline
  • Annexin V binds to those cells that express phosphatidylserine on the outer layer of the cell membrane
  • PI stains the cellular DNA of those cells with a compromised cell membrane.
  • CMXRos chlorophenyl-X-rosamine
  • CMXRos fluorescence was recorded by flow cytometry in the FL3 channel. Background values of the apoptosis of control cells cultured without the CDDO-Me or in DMSO-solvent control ( ⁇ 10% CMXRos-low) were subtracted from the values obtained under the experimental conditions.
  • Phi-Lux-G1D2 was administered to monitor caspase activity according to the manufacturer's recommendations (Oncolmmunin, Inc, Kensington, MD). Briefly, 10 6 cells were resuspended in 5 ⁇ L of substrate solution and incubated for 1 hour at 37°C in the dark. After incubation, cells were washed, and the fluorescence emission was determined using the FL-1 channel of a Becton Dickinson FACScan flow cytometer.
  • CDDO and its C-28 methyl ester, (CDDO-Me) induce differentiation, inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in leukemia cell lines and in primary samples from patients with AML.
  • Growth-inhibitory effects of CDDO and CDDO-Me on primary AML in clonogenic assay systems including the NOD/Scid model of AML are described.
  • the contributions of the mitochondrial (Bcl-2- regulated) and death receptor (Fas/Fas-L) pathways for the induction of apoptosis by CDDO and CDDO-Me are described.
  • a decrease in Bcl-2 expression is demonstrated.
  • CDDO and CDDO-Me are novel ligands for PPAR ⁇ which is highly expressed in AML. Also demonstrated is a synergism between CDDO-compounds and retinoids. As PPAR ⁇ forms functional heterodimers with RXR, optimal combination of CDDO-compounds and retinoids for induction of apoptosis in AML are provided. Finally, pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution and toxicity studies of CDDO-compounds in mice for preclinical development of this combination therapy are described.
  • CDDO-compounds decrease viability and induce apoptosis in leukemic cell lines:
  • CDDO The effect of CDDO on the survival of HL-60 and U937 leukemia cell lines is depicted in FIG. 1.
  • the percentage of proliferating cells were analyzed by FCM. A significant decrease was noted at 10 "7 M, as compared to DMSO at 48, 72 and 96 hours in HL-60 cells.
  • CDDO is p53-independent. Also, HL-60-Dox cells with high expression of the
  • MDR-1 gene were sensitive to CDDO-induced killing, and blocking MDR-1 by the specific inhibitor PSC-833 did not affect CDDO cytotoxicity. Hence, MDR-1 does not seem to affect CDDO killing.
  • FIG. 3 Exposure to 10 "8 M to 10 "5 M CDDO induced apoptosis in HL-60- Dox and TF-1 cells. CDDO treatment also enhanced ara-C-induced killing of leukemic cells as shown in HL-60-DOX cells (FIG. 4).
  • CDDO induces of differentiation in U937 leukemic cells (Suh et al, 1999). Thus, induction of monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells was determined mo ⁇ hologically and by the induction of CD 14 expression (see FIG. 16).
  • CDDO induced apoptosis without inducing differentiation in several leukemic cell lines and in primary AML, however CDDO induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells following induction of differentiation.
  • CDDO can affect both apoptosis and differentiation in different cellular targets.
  • CDDO-Me is consistently more active than CDDO, with IC 50 of 0.4, 0.4 and 0.27 ⁇ M in the leukemic cell lines HL-60, KG-1 and NB4. Profound cytotoxic effect in Daudi lymphoid leukemic cells, were seen and 0.3 ⁇ M CDDO-Me decreased the cell number to 22.5% of DMSO-controls at 48 hrs. Mechanism of growth inhibition was analyzed on cell cycle and apoptosis in HL-60 cells. As demonstrated in FIG. 20A, CDDO-Me inhibited cell growth at 0.05 and 0.1 ⁇ M in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. At 0.5 ⁇ M essentially no viable cells were recovered at 48 hrs.
  • HL-60-Dox cells with high expression of the MDR-1 gene were sensitive to CDDO-Me-induced killing, and blocking MDR-1 by the specific inhibitor PSC-833 did not affect CDDO-Me cytotoxicity.
  • CDDO-Me is ⁇ 53 and MDR-1 independent.
  • CDDO-Me is a more potent inducer of granulo-monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells as compared with CDDO: at 0.1 ⁇ M of CDDO-Me 86.6% of cells were CDl lb+, while 1 ⁇ M of CDDO is needed to exert similar effect.
  • CDDO-Me induced apoptosis without marked differentiation, whereas in HL-60 cells apoptosis was observed primarily in differentiated cells.
  • CDDO-Me affects both apoptosis and differentiation in different leukemic cell populations.
  • CDDO-compounds decrease viability and induce apoptosis in primary AML cells in suspension cultures and in clonogenic assays:
  • CDDO decreases viability and induces apoptosis in myeloid leukemic cell lines and primary AML samples.
  • CDDO also induces differentiation in HL-60 cells and in primary AML.
  • CDDO also reduces colony formation of AML progenitors, but did not inhibit normal CFU-GM cells.
  • CDDO-Me In primary AML, CDDO-Me induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent fashion as determined by DNA flow cytometry (subGi): at 1 ⁇ M CDDO-Me, apoptosis was induced in 5 of 6 AML samples in vitro, and 5 ⁇ M induced apoptosis in 6 of 6 samples. More than 90% apoptotic cells were detected in 4/6 samples following exposure to 5 ⁇ M of CDDO-Me (FIG. 21 A). At lower concentrations, CDDO-Me induced a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of the apoptotic cells in 4/4 samples tested (FIG. 21B).
  • CDDO-Me 0.1 ⁇ M and DMSO control The paired mean difference between the CDDO-Me 0.1 ⁇ M and DMSO control is 26.9% ⁇ 10.8% (CDDO-Me - DMSO, mean ⁇ SEM), and the paired mean difference between the CDDO-Me 0.5 ⁇ M and DMSO is 43.2% ⁇ 5.2%.
  • Monocytic differentiation was induced in 2/5 AML, as demonstrated by induction of the monocytic differentiation marker CD 14.
  • CDDO-Me also induced apoptosis in CML-blast crisis samples in vitro (in 3 of 4 samples at 1 ⁇ M, in 4 of 4 at 5 ⁇ M), enhanced ara-C-induced cell death and induced differentiation in 1 of 4 samples tested. Effects of CDDO-Me were also tested on clonogenic AML cells. Colony formation of AML progenitors was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion, with 46.7% ⁇ 6.6% surviving colonies at 0.1 ⁇ M of CDDO-Me, 27.5% ⁇ 6.8% for the CDDO-Me 0.3 ⁇ M, and 8.8% ⁇ 3.8% for the CDDO-Me 0.5 ⁇ M (FIG. 22).
  • CDDO-Me decreases viability and induces apoptosis in myeloid leukemic cell lines and in primary AML samples.
  • CDDO-Me also induces differentiation in HL-60 cells and in primary AML. CDDO-Me also significantly reduced colony formation of AML progenitors.
  • CDDO-compounds induce changes in the apoptotic machinery:
  • CDDO-compound induced cell death were observed by staining HL-60-Dox cells with annexin V, which binds phosphatidylserine with high affinity. Translocation of phosphatidylserine to the cell surface is considered one of the earliest events in apoptosis and can be analyzed by staining with FITC-labeled annexin V (Vermes et al, 1995). Cells were simultaneously stained with PI and analyzed by flow cytometry.
  • CDDO A time-dependent increase in annexin V binding in CDDO treated cells at 24 and 48 hours was observed (FIG. 8A).
  • PI caspase-3 Phi-Phi-Lux
  • FIG. 8A CDDO-compounds induced Phi-Phi-Lux-positivity that paralleled changes in the plasma membrane. Similar results were obtained in U937 cells, where increases in annexin-V and Phi-Phi-Lux positivity were seen 48hrs after treatment with l ⁇ M CDDO.
  • CDDO induced a dose-response decrease in pro-caspase-
  • caspase-3 levels in D9 cells transfected with wt-PPAR ⁇ were analyzed.
  • Six different single cell-derived clones were treated with 3 ⁇ M CDDO or vehicle controls for 5hrs.
  • Caspase-3 cleavage was analyzed by Western blot. A decrease in pro-caspase-3 with appearance of the cleaved product was readily observed in all clones.
  • the degree of cleavage was higher in PPAR ⁇ -transfected than in vector control cells that express endogenous PPAR ⁇ .
  • Analysis of DNA fragmentation revealed endonucleolytic DNA cleavage in CDDO-treated cells that was predominantly seen in PPAR ⁇ -transfected cells.
  • FIG. 8A a time-dependent increase in annexin V binding in CDDO treated cells at 24 and 48 hours was observed.
  • PI caspase-3 Phi-Phi-Lux
  • CDDO induced Fas expression in 7/12 AML CD34+ cells (MFI, 22.3 ⁇ 3.5 in DMSO-controls, 40 ⁇ 4.3 in CDDO-treated CD34+ cells, p ⁇ 0.01).
  • CDDO did not induce Fas expression in p53-negative HL-60 and HL-60-Dox cells (Owen-Schaub et al, 1994), suggesting involvement of the different mechanisms ofthe apoptotic cell death in these cells.
  • the inventors also tested if overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 protected leukemic cells from CDDO-induced cytotoxicity. For these experiments
  • CDDO downregulates anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and XIAP mRNA and protein expression level and induces Fas expression in leukemic cell lines and in the majority of primary AML samples.
  • the cDNA array data provides a means for the identification of genes contributing to the anti-leukemic effects of CDDO.
  • c-jun genes were upregulated including c-jun, TNF-R1 and CPBP, zinc finger protein involved in transcriptional control.
  • the cDNA array data require conformation but may indicate what changes in gene expression contribute to the observed anti- leukemic effects of CDDO-Me.
  • PPAR ⁇ a member of a family of nuclear receptors, induces differentiation and growth arrest in preadipocyte cells and can mediate inflammatory processes.
  • the ability of CDDO-compounds to directly interact with PPAR ⁇ was assessed by a scintillation proximity assay (SPA) (Nichols et al, 1998) using 3 H- rosiglitazone as the ligand and bacterially expressed PPAR ⁇ LBD. As shown in FIG.
  • SPA scintillation proximity assay
  • rosiglitazone was shown to compete for bound 3 H-CDDO, with Kj values of 50 nM.
  • CDDO transactivates PPAR ⁇
  • a Gal4-PPAR ⁇ chimeric protein was used to drive the expression of luciferase linked to the DNA binding sequence of GAL4 (FIG. 11B) (Wang et al, 2000).
  • CDDO transactivates GAL4- PPAR ⁇ in a dose-dependent manner.
  • CDDO did not transactivate the PPAR ⁇ receptor.
  • PPAR ⁇ was also detected in 9/11 primary AML samples with high (>50%) blast count, low expression was noted in 2 of 4 samples from patients with advanced MDS (RAEB) (FIG. 13). PPAR ⁇ was not expressed in 2 samples of normal magnetic- separated CD34 + cells (FIG. 13). Thus, PPAR ⁇ is highly expressed in leukemic blasts.
  • caspase-3 levels in D9 cells transfected with wt-PPAR ⁇ were analyzed.
  • Six different single cell-derived clones were treated with 3 ⁇ M CDDO or vehicle controls for 5hrs.
  • Caspase-3 cleavage was analyzed by Western blot. A decrease in pro-caspase-3 with appearance of the cleaved product was readily observed in all clones.
  • the degree of cleavage was higher in PPAR ⁇ -transfected than in vector control cells that express endogenous PPAR ⁇ .
  • Analysis of DNA fragmentation revealed endonucleolytic DNA cleavage in CDDO-treated cells that was predominantly seen in PPAR ⁇ -transfected cells.
  • DRIP205 is a key subunit of the DRIP multisubunit coactivator complex that anchores the other 14 subunits to the nuclear receptor LBD.
  • DRIP205 was identified from U937 leukemic cells (Rachez et al., 2000). DRIP205 expression was found to be low in parental D9 and in vector- transfected cells, while it was higher in selected sub-clones transfected with wt- PPAR ⁇ and was further indu ced by PPAR ⁇ ligand 15d-PGJ2.
  • PPAR ⁇ ligands such as 15d-PGJ2 (Cayman Chemical Company), BRL49653 (Smith Kline Beecham), L-805645 (Merck), GW347845X (Glaxo Welcome) were compared to that of CDDO: 5 ⁇ M of 15d-PGJ2 was required for 50% inhibition of HL-60 cells; other ligands including roziglitazone (BRL49653) exerted similar effects only at high (25-50 ⁇ M) concentrations. This decrease in cell viability was mediated by induction of apoptosis, as determined by annexinV staining. Of importance, RXR-specific ligand LG100268 enhanced growth-inhibitory effects of PPAR ⁇ ligands.
  • HL-60, CDM-1, U937, KG-1 and KBM-3 cells were transfected with an empty expression vector (pcDNA3), FLAG-tagged wt- PPAR ⁇ or FLAG-tagged L466A/E469A dominant-negative (DN) PPAR ⁇ mutant together with a selectable marker (neo).
  • DN-PPAR ⁇ mutant highly conserved hydrophobic and charged residues (Leu 466 and Glu 469 ) in helix 12 of the ligand-binding domain were mutated to alanine.
  • wt-hPPAR ⁇ and the DN-PPAR ⁇ mutant constructs were sequenced prior to transfection to verify the correct sequence. Plasmid DNA was purified using the QIAprep spin miniprep kit (Qiagen). Stable transfection of the leukemic cells was performed using the calcium-phosphate method. Cells were split the day before transfection. On the day of transfection, 7.5 x 10 6 cells were harvested by centrifugation and seeded in 5 ml of growth medium supplemented with serum and antibiotics. 0.5 ml of calcium-phosphate-DNA (5 ⁇ g) precipitate mixture was added to cells and incubated overnight.
  • clones were tested for pcDNA3, wt- and DN transfectants; the 2 best clones were selected for further cloning.
  • cells were diluted to 0.8 cells/well (t.e., plating lOO ⁇ l/well of 8 cells/ml dilution) and plated in a 96-well plate; this dilution provides 36% of wells with 1 cell/well by Poiss ⁇ n statistics.
  • 10 wells were plated with lOO ⁇ l/well of 80 cells/ml dilution (i.e., 8 cells/well).
  • neomycin ORF bases 2151-2945 in pcDNA3
  • Oligonucleotide primers (F, forward; R, reverse) used were as follows: F 5'- CAAGATGGATTGCACGCAGG - 3' and R 5'- GAGCAAGGTGAGATGACAGG -3'. Amplified products (325bp) were separated by gel electrophoresis.
  • HL-60, CDM-1, KG-1, KBM-3 and D9 cells were transfected with wt-, DN-
  • CDM-1 and KG-1 cells do not express endogenous PPAR ⁇ , while HL-60, D9 and KBM-3 express variable levels of the protein.
  • HL-60 cells 120/176 wells were positive for wt-PPAR ⁇ , 141/178 for DN-PPAR ⁇ and 202/384 for pcDNA; for CDM-1 cells, 130/171 wells were positive for wt-PPAR ⁇ , 132/178 for DN-PPAR ⁇ and 123/180 for pcDNA.
  • 20 clones each were tested by dot-blot and verified by Western blot analysis. Two selected clones/each were further subcloned; analysis of subclones is currently in progress using dot-blot, Western blot and RT-PCR.
  • CDDO-Me The annexin/PI fluorimetric assay demonstrated a time-dependent increase in annexin V binding in CDDO-Me-treated cells (FIG. 23).
  • Caspase-3 has been shown to play a pivotal role in the execution of programmed cell death induced by different stimuli (Ibrado et al, 1996; Ohta et al, 1997; Schlegel et al, 1996). Effects of CDDO-Me on the cleavage of caspase-3 were analyzed utilizing the fluorogenic substrate of caspase-3 Phi-Phi-Lux. As demonstrated in FIG.
  • the pharmacological inhibitors of permeability transition cyclosporin A (CyA) (Nicolli et al, 1996) (lO ⁇ M, Sandoz) and bongkrekic acid (BA) (Marchetti et al, 1996) (Calbiochem, CA) were used. Addition of CyA partially inhibited CDDO-Me- triggered ⁇ loss, providing further evidence for effects of CDDO-Me on ⁇ (FIG. 26).
  • CDDO-Me induced cell death by modulating the mitochondrial or the death receptor pathways of apoptosis.
  • effect of CDDO-Me on Bcl-2 protein expression were studies. Prolonged (5 days) treatment with low concentrations of CDDO-Me (0.05 and 0.075 ⁇ M) did not significantly affect Bcl-2 expression levels in HL-60 and NB4 cells despite substantial cell killing, pointing to alternative mechanisms of induction of apoptosis by CDDO-Me (FIG. 27 A). Bax functions as a promoter of cell death and its upregulation has been associated with enhanced apoptosis (Bargou et al, 1995; Yin et al, 1997).
  • Bcl-2 overexpression did not protect cells from CDDO-Me-killing.
  • HL- 60 cells overexpressing Bcl-2 exerted almost complete protection from CDDO-Me killing as determined by annexinV -positivity, Phi-Phi-Lux and CMXRos staining.
  • HL-60/BCI-X L cells were also partially protected from CDDO-Me cytotoxicity (FIG. 28A).
  • induction of the FasL/Fas/caspase-8 pathway is not essential in the execution of CDDO-Me-induced cell death.
  • Post-translational modifications of Bcl-2 are involved in the regulation of apoptosis by CDDO-Me.
  • Bcl-2 phosphorylation is inhibited by CDDO-Me.
  • ERK was immunoprecipitated from K562 cells since these cells contain the Bcr-Abl kinase and activated ERK present in these cells under basal conditions.
  • CDDO-Me inhibited MBP phosphorylation in a dose- dependent manner. Similar effects were observed in HL-60 cells. These data indicate that there may be a direct effect ofthe compound on ERK kinase activity.
  • CDDO-compounds and retinoids synergistically decrease viability and induce differentiation in leukemic cell lines:
  • CDDO CDDO.
  • HL-60 cells in the exponential growth phase were treated with 0.1 and l ⁇ M of CDDO-compounds alone or in combination with 0.5 or l ⁇ M of all-tr ⁇ «s- retionic-acid (ATRA).
  • ATRA all-tr ⁇ «s- retionic-acid
  • Cell viability was measured after 48 hrs using the Cell Titer 96 AQ Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay (Promega, Madison, Wl). Combination of CDDO with ATRA significantly decreased the viability of HL-60 cells (FIG. 14).
  • HL-60 cells were cultured with different concentrations of CDDO (0.01, 0.1 and l ⁇ M) for 72 hrs, alone or in combination with l ⁇ M ATRA.
  • Cell differentiation was analyzed by flow cytometry (CD14/CD1 lb staining).
  • CDDO exhibited profound synergism with ATRA in induction of monocytic differentiation as demonstrated by CD 14 induction (FIG. 16). These experiments were repeated 3 times and yielded essentially identical results.
  • ATRA downregulates Bcl-2 mRNA and protein. Therefore, decreases in Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels were analyzed in cells treated with combinations of CDDO and ATRA. Combined treatment of U937 cells with CDDO and ATRA induce significant decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA at 24 hours (FIG. 17). These data were confirmed by quantitative flow cytometry demonstrating decrease of Bcl-2 protein at 72 hours.
  • PPAR ⁇ and RXR are known to function as heterodimers. Therefore, the inventors contemplate combination treatments with CDDO-compounds and RXR- specific ligands and/or PPAR ⁇ ligands.
  • the RXR-specific ligand LG-100268 (Ligand Pharmaceuticals) used at 1 and 10 nM significantly enhanced differentiation and cell killing in HL-60 cells (FIG. 18A, Table 5). This induction of differentiation and cell killing was more pronounced compared with ATRA when used at low concentrations (Table 5). Table 5.
  • RXR-specific ligand LG-100268 enhances CDDO-induced monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells.
  • Results are expressed as a percentage of CD 14 (+) live cells (FCM).
  • HL-60 cells harboring a dominant-negative mutation in the retinoid receptor with the normal retinoid receptors RXR- ⁇ and RAR- ⁇ was introduced by retroviral gene transfer (HL-60/RXR and HL-60/RAR cell lines.
  • RXR-specific ligand LG- 100268 increased CDDO-induced apoptosis only in cells expressing RXR but not RAR receptor.
  • CDDO-Me CDDO-Me and retinoids synergistically decrease viability and induce differentiation in leukemic cell lines.
  • CDDO-Me/ ATRA combinations in different leukemic cell lines.
  • CDDO-Me with ATRA significantly decreased the viability of HL-60 cells (FIG.
  • ATRA downregulates Bcl-2 mRNA and protein (Andreeff et al, 1999; Bradbury et al, 1996). Therefore, the effects of combinations of CDDO-Me and ATRA on Bcl-2 protein level were studied. ATRA alone decreased Bcl-2 protein; however, no additive effect on Bcl-2 expression was noted when ATRA was combined with CDDO-Me.
  • CDDO-Me combined with ATRA would enhance differentiation.
  • HL-60 cells were cultured with of O.l ⁇ M of CDDO-Me for 72 hrs, alone or in combination with l ⁇ M ATRA.
  • CDDO-Me exhibited profound synergism with ATRA in inducing granulo-monocytic differentiation as demonstrated by CDl lb induction.
  • 67.4% in CDDO-Me-treated cells and 63.5% in ATRA-treated cells were CDl lb+ (compared with 40% in DMSO controls), while 85% of cells were positive when both compounds were given simultaneously.
  • RXR-specific ligand LG-100268 enhances CDDO-Me-induced monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells (24hrs).
  • CDDO-compounds inhibit formation of bone marrow endothelial structures:
  • CDDO PPAR ⁇ nuclear receptor is expressed in bone marrow endothelial cells, and PPAR ⁇ ligands inhibit inhibited endothelial cell proliferation.
  • Recent data demonstrate an important role for the proliferation of endothelial cells, secretion of angiogenic factors and developing angiogenesis in the biology of leukemias.
  • the present inventors therefore tested the effects of CDDO in endothelial cell assays.
  • the formation of tube-like endothelial structures was performed using Matrigel ® , a basement membrane matrix extracted from the Engelbreth-Holm Swarm mouse sarcoma cell line.
  • Bone marrow endothelial cells with recombinant angiogenic cytokines were incubated in the presence or absence of CDDO, and formation of tubelike endothelial structures was assessed by direct observation using a inverted contrast-phase microscope.
  • HUNECs cytokine-stimulated vascular endothelial cells
  • Vascular endothelial cells were grown in EBM-2 or EGM-2 media (Clonetics) containing VEGF, EGF, bFGF and IGF-1. The proliferation of endothelial cells was assessed by inverted contrast-phase microscope after 24 hrs of CDDO exposure in the indicated concentrations.
  • AML CD34+38- cells are able to repopulate NOD/Scid mice (so called Scid- repopulating cells) (Lapidot et al, 1994).
  • Recent data (Ailles et al, 1999) demonstrated consistent engraftment of AML in NOD/Scid mice: 8 weeks after the intravenous injection of 10 AML cells, the average percentage of human cells in mouse marrow was 13.3% (5.7% for "good” and 20.5% for "poor” cytogenetic abnormalities).
  • Each mouse was injected with 10 7 MACS-separated CD34+ leukemic cells.
  • the engraftment of human leukemic cells is determined at 6-8 weeks after transplantation by CD45 flow cytometry and Southern blot analysis using human ⁇ - satellite probe for chromosome 17.
  • the clonality of leukemic cells is determined by FISH based on the known karyotype of the samples studied. Under these conditions, consistent engraftment of AML was performed in 70% of cases. Phenotype of the leukemic cells and cytogenetic profile was similar to the characteristics of the patient's primary blasts.
  • the CDDO-compounds are. manufactured under GLP conditions utilizing the RAID program of CTEP as described above.
  • CDDO-compounds treatments provided to three AML-NOD/Scid mice resulted in lack of leukemic cells in the bone marrow in comparison to 2 untreated controls (FIG. 19).
  • mice The effect of CDDO on engraftment of leukemic cells was further tested in NOD/Scid mice transplanted with 1 x 10 6 human leukemic KBM-3 cells. Eleven mice were treated with CDDO at 6 mg/kg/day IP (divided in 3 injections per day) for 10 days; a control set of 9 mice received vehicle alone.
  • the engraftment of human leukemic cells was determined by FISH based on the known karyotype of the cells (trisomy 8) at 5 weeks following transplantation.
  • CDDO-compounds Induce Growth Inhibition by Induction of Apoptosis and Differentiation in Myeloid Leukemias.
  • Different in vitro and in vivo assays are contemplated to test cell killing induced in stromal cell-supported cultures, in clonogenic assays and in the NOD/Scid model transplanted with human leukemic cells.
  • the enhancement of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in AML by CDDO- compounds can also be examined by a person skilled in the art.
  • CDDO-compounds Effect of CDDO-compounds on the Proliferation, Differentiation and Apoptosis of Leukemic Cells from Primary AML.
  • CDDO-compounds decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis and differentiation in leukemic cell lines and in primary AML samples
  • effects of CDDO-compounds on allogenic stromal cell layers which resemble the in vivo stromal microenvironment can be tested.
  • CDDO-compounds results in 12.0% (absolute) more apoptosis than DMSO, or 91% power with H a : CDDO-compounds results in 13.5% (absolute) more apoptosis than DMSO).
  • CDDO will be used at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 ⁇ M and CDDO-Me at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 ⁇ iM for 72 hours. Effects on cells in suspension and adherent cells will be separately analyzed.
  • CDDO-compounds will be analyzed by cell count and histograms using propidium iodide and the analysis will be performed after gating on CD34 + leukemic cells by flow cytometry. Apoptosis will be assayed by caspase cleavage (Phi-Phi-lux), PS/annexin V, and sub-Gi DNA fragmentation. Induction of differentiation will be analyzed by flow cytometry of CD34, CD33, CD14, CD13 and CDl lb.
  • CDDO-compounds enhance ara-C killing in primary AML cells.
  • H a (CDDO-compounds + ara-C) results in 11.4% (absolute) more cytotoxicity than ara-C alone.
  • a sample size of 25 will yield 83% power with H a : (CDDO- compounds + ara-C) results in 10.0% (absolute) more cytotoxicity than ara-C alone, or 91% power with H a : (CDDO-compounds + ara-C) results in 11.4% (absolute) more cytotoxicity than ara-C alone.)
  • CDDO-compounds on normal hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells will be tested.
  • CD34+ MACS- separated bone marrow or apheresis-derived cells will be used.
  • Toxic effect of CDDO-compounds will be tested on these normal progenitors in clonogenic assays and in the NOD/Scid model.
  • the route and concentration of CDDO-compounds will be determined as described ahead. The inventors contemplate that these experiments will identify a "safe" therapeutic concentration range for CDDO-compounds.
  • sample size of 16 will allow the estimation of the % reduction in CFU-GM of normal CD34+ cells with a 95% confidence interval with a bound on the error of estimation of 5% and coverage probability 0.90.
  • a sample size of 29 will allow the estimation of the % reduction in colony formation (without regard to cytogenetics) with a 95% confidence interval with a bound on the error of estimation of 3.3% and coverage probability 0.90.
  • the sample size of 29 is that determined above for estimating the % reduction in AML progenitors.
  • the apoptotic pathways activated in response to the CDDO-compounds with regard to expression levels of Bcl-2 and induction ofthe CD95/Fas death receptor will be analyzed.
  • Intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway Intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway.
  • the inventors also contemplate examining if pro-caspase-9 is processed in leukemic cells in vitro in response to CDDO-compounds, thereby demonstrating the involvement of the mitochondrial/cytochrome c pathway.
  • the inventors also contemplate studying drug-induced changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential ⁇ m using the cationic Hpophilic fluorochrome CMXRos (Macho et al, 1996) and release of cytochrome c into the cytosol as assessed by subcellular fractionation studies Jurgensmeier et al, 1998; Matsuyama et al, 1998).
  • HL-60 and U937 cells will be treated in vitro with 1 ⁇ M CDDO or CDDO-Me in the presence or absence of 100 ⁇ M of zVAD-fmk.
  • ⁇ m will be quantitated by CMXRos fluorescence and endogenous caspase-3-like activity will be monitored using the cell-permeable fluorigenic substrate PhiPhi-LUX (Zapata et al, 1998.
  • PhiPhi-LUX Zapata et al, 1998.
  • Bcl-2 family of proteins are central to the regulation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The key function of Bcl-2-like proteins is to retain cytochrome c inside the mitochondria (Kluck et al, 1997; Yang et al, 1997).
  • CDDO-compounds decrease Bcl-2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels.
  • CDDO-compounds cytotoxicity was also shown in Bcl-2-transfected U937 cells ( with a 3-fold overexpression in the cells utilized). The inventors will further examine if CDDO-compounds can lower Bcl-2 levels below a critical threshold which permits apoptosis, even in cells overexpressing Bcl-2.
  • U937 and HL-60-transduced cells selected for high levels of Bcl-2, and their respective vector-control counte ⁇ arts will be treated with 1 ⁇ M CDDO or CDDO-Me for 72 hours.
  • Bcl-2 protein levels will be determined by quantitative flow cytometry, and mRNA levels by TaqMan PCR. If dissipation of ⁇ m will precede Bcl-2 downregulation and apoptotic cell death in CDDO-compounds-treated cells, the inventors will test if pharmacological inhibitors of PT cyclosporin A and bongkrekic acid will inhibit mitochondrial alterations and apoptosis.
  • Fas/Fas-ligand can be induced by many cytotoxic drugs and is one of the mechanisms by which anticancer drugs kill cells (Friesen et al, 1996). Binding of FasL to Fas results in formation of the Fas death inducing signaling complex (DISC) with the prodomain of caspase-8 (Boldin et al, 1996; Muzio et al, 1996) and apoptosis. A p53-binding sequence was identified in the Fas promoter (Muller et al, 1998). The present inventors will investigate the activation of the Fas/ Fas-ligand pathway in CDDO-compound mediated cell death in p53-wt cells (NB4).
  • NB4 p53-wt cells
  • the present inventors have demonstrated induction of CD95/Fas receptor in leukemic NB4 cells and in primary AML samples.
  • the inventors will further investigate Fas-L expression levels and caspase-8 cleavage after treatment with CDDO-compounds. These experiments will be performed in NB4 cells treated with different concentrations of CDDO-compounds (0.5, 1 and 2 ⁇ M of CDDO) for 48 hours. Time-course experiments will also be performed in order to determine the induction of Fas/FasL and caspase-8 cleavage. In these experiments, Fas levels will be determined by flow cytometry. Fas-L and caspase-8 will be studied by Western blot analysis.
  • Fas- or Fas-L induction will precede capase-8 cleavage and apoptosis.
  • CDDO-compounds may directly induce caspase-8 activation without Fas- or Fas-L induction as was demonstrated in other cell systems (Wesselborg et al, 1999).
  • Proteolytic processing of caspase-8, as well as downstream caspase-3, 6 and 7 will be monitored by immunoblotting.
  • the inventors will also assess caspase activity in cell extracts prepared from the same cells, using substrates that are relatively specific for caspase-8 (IEDT-AFC) and downstream effector caspases such as caspase-3 and 7 (DEVD-AFC).
  • IEDT-AFC substrates that are relatively specific for caspase-8
  • DEVD-AFC downstream effector caspases
  • Caspase-8-like and caspase-3-like protease activity will be measured by fluorigenic assays using a spectrofluorometric plate reader (EL ⁇ 808, Bio-Tek Instruments, Inc., Winooski, Vermont) in the kinetic mode with excitation and emission wavelengths of 400 and 505 nm, respectively (Deveraux et al, 1997; Leoni et al, 1998). Activity will be measured by the release of 7-amino-4-trifluoromethyl- coumarin (AFC) from the synthetic peptidyl substrates.
  • AFC 7-amino-4-trifluoromethyl- coumarin
  • Fas- blocking antibody such as ZB4, 100 ng/ml, Immunotech, Miami, FL
  • the endpoint will be the induction of apoptosis (annexinV and sub-Gi DNA content).
  • ZB4 blocked CDDO-compound-induced apoptosis indicates that the Fas/Fas-L interaction contributes significantly to the observed killing by CDDO-compounds.
  • the inventors will test the effect of a caspase-8 inhibitor (such as IEDT, Calbiochem, San Diego, CA). IEDT protection against the CDDO-compounds indicates that the CDDO-compounds activate caspase-8.
  • a caspase-8 inhibitor such as IEDT, Calbiochem, San Diego, CA.
  • IAP inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein
  • CDDO-compounds specifically bind and transactivte the nuclear receptor PPAR ⁇ .
  • This receptor and its heterodimeric partner RXR form a DNA-binding complex that regulates transcription of several target genes (Kliewer et al, 1992; Tontonoz et al, 1994). Ligation of PPAR ⁇ was reported to induce cell cycle arrest and differentiation Wu et al, 1996; Tontonoz and Spiegelman, 1994; Brun et al, 1996).
  • PPAR ⁇ expression in AML, ALL, and CML (Greene et al, 1995) cells is known but its biological function in hematopoietic cells has not been well investigated.
  • a recent report by R. Evans's group demonstrates that other PPAR ⁇ ligands (15d-PGJ2 at 3 ⁇ M and BRL49653 at 5 ⁇ M) induce monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells but do not exhibit killing (Tontonoz et al, 1998).
  • PPAR ⁇ agonists decrease the transcriptional activity of Bcl-2-luciferase promoter construct (J Reed). The present inventors will assess the role of this signaling pathway in regard to the ability ofthe CDDO-compounds to induce differentiation and apoptosis.
  • PPAR ⁇ -receptor antagonists will be investigated for their ability to interfere with the activity of CDDO-compounds in PPAR ⁇ -expressing cells.
  • HL-60 and CDM-1 cells will be treated with different concentrations (0.3, 0.5, 1, and 2 ⁇ M) of CDDO for 72 hrs and apoptosis will be determined as described earlier. All experiments will be perfonned in triplicates.
  • PPAR ⁇ signaling through PPAR ⁇ may be complemented by other o ⁇ han receptors.
  • the inventors contemplate investigating binding and transactivation of CDDO-compounds with other o ⁇ han receptors.
  • CDDO-compounds with other PPAR ⁇ ligands. It is known that 15d-PGJ2 at 3 ⁇ M and BRL49653 at 5 ⁇ M induces monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells but do not cause cell killing. In contrast, CDDO induced monocytic differentiation at 0.5 to 1.0 ⁇ M and apoptosis at 1 ⁇ M in HL-60 cells.
  • CDDO-compounds downregulate mRNA expression of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic genes.
  • Several PPAR ⁇ agonists including prostaglandin J2 and ciglitazone markedly suppressed the Bcl-2 promoter in Bcl-2 promoter-luciferase reporter assays.
  • the inventors will transfect U937 cells (which expresses PPAR ⁇ ) (Greene et al, 1995) with Bcl-2 luciferase reporter constructs. The inventors will then test the effect of CDDO or CDDO-Me and the other PPAR ⁇ agonist troglitazone on the Bcl-2 promoter-luciferase activity in transfected U937 cells.
  • Luciferase assay U937 cells (2 x 10 7 ) will be transfected with 10-20 ⁇ g luciferase reporter DNA by electroporation at 875 V cm "1 , 960 ⁇ F (Bio-Rad Laboratories). After 1 hour recovery, transfected cells in triplicate samples will be treated with 1 ⁇ M CDDO or troglitazone. Luciferase activity will be assayed 18-36 h later using the Dual-luciferase reporter assay system (Promega) with the pRL-TK vector as the internal reporter control.
  • Bcl-2 luciferase reporter encompasses the human 3.7 Kb Bcl-2 promoter region which contains both PI and P2 transcription initiation sites.
  • the CDDO-compounds induce differentiation in leukemia cell lines and primary AML samples.
  • ligation of PPAR ⁇ is known to induce differentiation of preadipocyte cells that is mediated by transcriptional activation of adipocyte-specific genes (Kliewer et al, 1992; Tontonoz et al, 1994). Specific hematopoietic gene promoters have not been tested for PPAR activation.
  • the inventors will use the Atlas cDNA expression array (Clontech) to identify genes whose expression are regulated by PPAR ⁇ activation. The inventors have already shown changes in the expression of 24 genes.
  • CDDO-compounds directly regulate transcription ofthe promoter ofthe target gene(s) identified by array analysis the inventors will clone the region ofthe respective gene promoter into a luciferase reporter vector and cotransfect these constructs with CMX-mPPAR ⁇ expression vectors into CDM-1 cells. Following transfection, the cells will be treated with vehicle or l ⁇ M of CDDO or CDDO-Me. These experiments will detennine if CDDO-compounds activate specific target genes directly through PPAR ⁇ .
  • EXAMPLE 6 Synergistic Interactions between CDDO-compounds and Retinoids in AML.
  • PPAR ⁇ and RXR form heterodimers, which upon concomitant ligation of both receptors exhibit maximal transcriptional activity (Kliewer et al, 1992; Tontonoz et al, 1994).
  • RAR can bind both ATRA and its naturally occurring double-bond isomer, 9-cis retinoid acid (9-cis RA), whereas RXR bind only 9-cis RA (Heyman et al, 1992).
  • Activation of RAR- ⁇ is sufficient to induce differentiation, (Nagy et al, 1995; Mehta et al, 1996), whereas activation of RXR- ⁇ directly induces apoptosis via down-modulation of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein (Agarwal and Mehta, 1997).
  • ATRA transcriptional ly downregulates Bcl-2 in AML (Andreeff et al, 1999).
  • Bcl-2 levels decrease dramatically during myeloid differentiation (Andreeff et al, 1999). This indicates that Bcl-2 functions as a downstream regulator of retinoid-induced cell growth and differentiation in hematopoietic cells.
  • PPAR ⁇ must form a heterodimer with RXR to bind DNA and activate transcription (Nolte et al, 1998).
  • RXR-specific ligands markedly induce the binding of the co-activator SRC-1 to PPAR ⁇ -RXR heterodimers (Westin et al, 1998), and assembly of this complex results in a large increase in transcriptional activity.
  • SRC and CBP/p300 co-activator proteins possess intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity indicate that ligand-mediated receptor transactivation may also involve targeted histone acetylation.
  • One method to increase the effects of PPAR ⁇ ligands contemplated herein is by combination with ligands specific for RXR.
  • CDDO-compounds and different retinoids will be tested in primary AML samples for increased spontaneous and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
  • Primary samples will be studied for their sensitivity to CDDO- compound/retinoid combinations in suspension and in stromal-based cultures and in NOD/Scid model transplanted with human leukemic cells.
  • CDDO-compound/ATRA combinations induce apoptosis and differentiation in primary AML samples.
  • the effect of CDDO-compounds and ATRA on apoptosis and differentiation will be assessed in 20 primary AML samples.
  • the effects of CDDO-compounds and ATRA, alone and in combination, on apoptosis and differentiation of leukemic blasts will also be investigated.
  • Apoptosis will be assessed by caspase cleavage (Phi-Phi-lux), PS/annexin V, and DNA fragmentation assays as described in the Examples above. Differentiation will be analyzed by expression of CD34, CD33, CD 14, CD 13 and CDl lb by flow cytometry.
  • the concentration levels of CDDO and CDDO-Me that will be tested initially are 0.1 ⁇ M, 0.3 ⁇ M, 0.5 ⁇ M, and 1 ⁇ M for 72 hours.
  • the concentrations of ATRA that will be tested are 0 and 1 ⁇ M.
  • This gives 4 concentrations of CDDO-compounds, 4 concentrations of CDDO-compounds + ATRA, and 1 concentration of ATRA alone for 4 + 4 + 1 9 treatment combinations.
  • the data will be analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance with main effects (CDDO-compounds and ATRA) and an interaction term.
  • the inventors will therefore identify the combination of CDDO-compounds and ATRA that maximally induce apoptosis and/or differentiation. For evaluation of synergistic interactions the inventors will test a range of concentrations of both compounds and utilize the model described by Chou and Talalay, 1984. Similar experiments will be performed with CDDO-compounds and the RXR- ⁇ specific ligand LG 100268 in primary AML.
  • CDDO-compounds/retinoid interactions Mechanisms of CDDO-compounds/retinoid interactions.
  • a synergistic effect observed with high concentrations of ATRA is due to its conversion into 9-cis RA under culture conditions (Heyman et al, 1992).
  • the ability of ATRA to activate RXR in transactivation assays that is attributed to the isomerization into 9-c/s-RA has been demonstrated (Mangelsdorf et al, 1990; Agarwal et al, 1996).
  • K562 cells will be transduced with RXR or RAR- ⁇ .
  • Parental K562 cells do not express RXR or RAR- ⁇ , are completely resistant to ATRA (Robertson et al, 1991) and will serve as controls.
  • ATRA Robot et al, 1991
  • RXR-expressing cells respond to CDDO-compound/ ATRA or CDDO-compound/LG 100268 combinations, RXR is critical for CDDO-compound/retinoid interactions.
  • RAR- ⁇ may contribute to the combined effect of CDDO-compound/ ATRA, by dowregulation of Bcl-2 mRNA.
  • the inventors will also investigate the effect of the RAR-specific ligand TTNPB (Sigma) in combination with CDDO-compounds.
  • ATRA and RXR-specific retinoid LG100268 combined with CDDO-compounds in K562 parental, K562/RAR and K562/RXR cells
  • the inventors will use ATRA and LG100268 at 10 "6 to 10 "9 M and 0.3 ⁇ M CDDO- compounds (a concentration that does not induce cell death), alone and in combination.
  • K562 cells at the starting concentration 0.3 x 10 6 cells/ml will be cultured for 48, 72 and 96 hours. Apoptosis and differentiation will be determined as described above.
  • K562/RAR cells the involvement of RAR receptor signaling will be tested.
  • a specific activator of RARs TTNPB ((E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl- 2-naphthalenyl)-l-propenyl] benzoic acid), (Sigma) will be tested at 10 ⁇ 8 M, in combination with 0.3 ⁇ M CDDO or CDDO-Me.
  • the pan-RAR-selective analog TTNPB exhibits high affinity to all three iso forms of RARs and is a potent inducer of their transactivtion activity. It neither binds to RXR receptors nor transactivates their target gene expression (Nagy et al, 1995).
  • K562/RAR- ⁇ - transfected cells will be cultured simultaneously with a sub-optimal concentration of ATRA (1 and 10 nmol/L) and increasing concentrations ofthe RAR- ⁇ -antagonist (0.05, 0.5, 1 ⁇ M) in the presence of 0.3 ⁇ M of CDDO or CDDO-Me for 72 and 96 hours.
  • CDDO-compounds combined with 1 ⁇ M ATRA induce decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA in HL-60 cells. Further investigation to test if selective RAR/RXR ligands combined with CDDO-compounds will affect Bcl- 2 mRNA and protein expression at sub-micromolar concentration are contemplated.
  • CDDO-compound/retinoid combinations exert their synergism by cooperative recruitment of co-activator SRC-1 to PPAR-RXR heterodimers.
  • Transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors such as PPAR ⁇ and retinoid receptors requires recruitment of co-activator proteins, including SRC-1 (Onate et al, 1995; Kamei et al, 1996; Chakravarti et al, 1996; Torchia et al, 1997; Liu et al, 1998).
  • SRC-1 Onate et al, 1995; Kamei et al, 1996; Chakravarti et al, 1996; Torchia et al, 1997; Liu et al, 1998.
  • the inventors will therefore study the combined effects of RAR-/RXR-specific ligands and CDDO-compounds on SRC-1 interactions with PPAR ⁇ -RXR heterodimers.
  • LG-100268 and TTNPB at 10 nM and at their saturating concentration 1 ⁇ M, alone and combined with 0.1 and 1 ⁇ M of CDDO or CDDO-Me, to recruit 32 P-labelled SRC-1 633"783 to PPAR-RXR heterodimers bound to a PPAR responsive element (Kurokawa et al, 1994) will be analyzed. It is contemplated that LG-100268 but not TTNPB will induce binding of SRC-1 to PPAR ⁇ -RXR heterodimers, and that it will act synergistically with PPAR ⁇ -ligand CDDO- compounds.
  • Target genes that are activated by both, CDDO-compounds and the RXR-ligand LGl 00268, will be identified.
  • a cell bank consisting of 12,000 vials of frozen cells from 2200 patients to will be used to identify activated genes utilizing the Atlas array (described in the Examples above).
  • cDNA from specific AML samples that show synergistic responses to CDDO-compounds/retinoids will be analyzed and activated target genes will be validated as described above.
  • PPAR- signaling is involved in cancer.
  • the inventors have shown that the
  • PPAR ⁇ protein is expressed in myeloid cell lines and in primary AML, ALL and CLL samples.
  • CDDO is a PPAR ⁇ ligand and binds and transactivated PPAR ⁇ . Effects of the PPAR ⁇ ligands such as 15-deoxy ⁇ 12 ' 14 PGJ2, linoleic acid, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as troglitazone, BRL49653, and pioglitazone, L-805645, and GW347845X were tested on the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of leukemic cell lines.
  • PPAR ⁇ ligands such as 15-deoxy ⁇ 12 ' 14 PGJ2, linoleic acid, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as troglitazone, BRL49653, and pioglitazone, L-805645, and GW347845X were tested on the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of le
  • Combination of TGZ with ATRA in U937 and THP1 cells, or 15- deoxy ⁇ 12 14 PGJ2 with ATRA in HL-60 cells induced marked myelomonocytic differentiation followed by apoptosis of differentiated cells.
  • TGZ+ATRA synergistically reduced the colony forming ability of THP1 and U937 cells and induced phagocytic activity in these cells.
  • CDDO-compounds alone and in combination with retinoids such as ATRA also exert antiproliferative and apoptotic results on leukemic cell lines and primary AML, CLL and ALL samples in vitro as well as decreased Bcl-2 expression in leukemic blasts.
  • novel PPAR ⁇ ligands, alone as well as in combination with retinoids or other chemotherapeutic compounds provide novel therapy for cancers especially leukemias. Ligation of PPAR ⁇ in combination with other chemotherapeutics especially retinoids provides maximal increase of transcriptional activity in target genes that control apoptosis and differentiation.
  • LD50 and MTD [maximum tolerated dose]) of CDDO- compounds was studied in healthy BALB/C mice (male and female, 25-30 g) after single i. v. or oral injections. Seven different dose levels (10 mice/dose level) were used after the appropriate pilot dosing experiments to define a MTD dose for both the oral and iv routes of administration. Animals were observed and weighed daily. The experiment was tenninated on day 14. Surviving animals were sacrificed by exposure to carbon dioxide. The unit-dose effect line will be constructed and used to calculate lethal doses (LD ⁇ 0 and LD 50 ).
  • mice 60 female Balb/C mice divided into 12 groups of 5 mice. With 5 mice per dose level, six dose levels for IV or oral drug administration were used.
  • Intravenous CDDO administration Groups of mice received CDDO intravenously as a single bolus injection into the tail vein on Day 1. Euthanasia in a closed CO 2 chamber was after 14 days. Mice lost at other times are specified.
  • the typical organs from each mouse that are examined include brain, heart, lungs, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, muscle, bone marrow, and skin. The lesions are described and the diagnoses are listed below for each animal. The major findings are given in Table 7 that follows to facilitate comparing groups of animals.
  • mice received CDDO oral gavage on day 1. Euthanasia was performed in a closed CO 2 chamber after 14 days. The typical organs from each mouse that are examined include brain, heart, lungs, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, muscle, bone marrow, and skin. The lesions are described and the diagnoses are listed below for each animal. The major findings are given in Table 8 that follows to facilitate comparing groups of animals.
  • Intravenous CDDO-Me administration Groups of mice received CDDO-Me intravenously as a single bolus injection into the tail vein on Day 1. Euthanasia in a closed CO 2 chamber was after 14 days. Mice lost at other times are specified.
  • the typical organs from each mouse that are examined include brain, heart, lungs, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, muscle, bone marrow, and skin. The lesions are described and the diagnoses are listed below for each animal. The major findings are given in Table 9 that follows to facilitate comparing groups of animals.
  • mice received CDDO-Me oral gavage on day 1. Euthanasia was performed in a closed CO 2 chamber after 14 days. The typical organs from each mouse that are examined include brain, heart, lungs, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, muscle, bone marrow, and skin. The lesions are described and the diagnoses are listed below for each animal. The major findings are given in Table 10 that follows to facilitate comparing groups of animals.
  • Dystrophic calcification of the epicardium is a common finding in mice (Vargas et al, 1996).
  • the majority of animals in both the intravenous and oral groups have myeloid hype ⁇ lasia of the bone marrow. This diagnosis is based upon finding the medullary cavities of decalcified bones filled with hematopoiesis that shows an overwhelming predominance of mature granulocytes.
  • a few animals also had myleoid hype ⁇ lasia of the red pulp of the spleen (a normal site for extramedullary hematopoiesis). These hype ⁇ lastic changes are often encountered in mice without an apparent target and in the absence of known injury.
  • mice of both sexes will be treated with 10 weekly i. v. doses of 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of the predetermined single dose LD10 of CDDO-compounds. Animals will be weighed weekly and survival rates in different groups will be recorded. Differences in toxic doses between sexes and between routes of administration will be determined and compared.
  • Analyses of the drug and its metabolites can be determined using a Micromass Platform mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (positive mode) where examination of the m/z 492 ion [positive electrospray mode] is followed. Both assays use a methyl ester derivative of CDDO as an internal standard.
  • CDDO-compounds prepared in DMSO (10 mg/ml) will be injected i.p. or orally (by gavage) into Balb/c mice at the respective MTD doses.
  • CDDO-compounds liver, spleen, lung, heart, kidney, small intestine, large intestine, and skeletal muscle) in order to determine tissue distribution of CDDO-compounds.
  • the 72-hr time point is necessary to insure adequate sampling of the CDDO-compounds elimination phase.
  • Plasma and urine samples will be extracted and analyzed as previously described.
  • the concentration of CDDO in each sample will be calculated by determining the ratio of the CDDO-compounds peak area to that of the corresponding peak of the internal standard CDDO methyl ester and by comparing the ratio with a standard curve prepared in the appropriate matrix. All pharmacokinetic parameters will be analyzed by non-compartmental analysis using the WIN-NONLIN software program.
  • CDDO-compound's elimination half-life (tVi), area under the curve (AUC), volume of distribution (Vd), clearance (Cl), and peak plasma (Cmax) will be calculated.
  • total fecal and urinary clearance of CDDO will be determined as well as relative oral bioavailability.
  • Tissue distribution Organs harvested from Balb/c mice at various time points post-injection can be harvested, blotted, weighed, and homogenized. A portion of homogenized samples can be extracted and analyzed as described above.
  • CDDO-compounds and its combinations with chemotherapeutics such as retinoids can also be assessed against both human solid tumors (MX1 breast, HT29 colon and BRO melanoma) as well as against human leukemia cell lines in SCID mice.
  • chemotherapeutics such as retinoids
  • CDDO The activity of CDDO against breast cancert cells has also been demonstrated in vivo.
  • CDDO was given at 20 and 40 mg/kg i.v. twice a week 10 days after nude mice were injected s.c. with 2 X 10 6 estrogen-receptor negative, PPAR ⁇ positive 435 breast cancer cells. Results shown in FIG. 35 demonstrate that CDDO inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo at both concentrations used.
  • compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps ofthe method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope ofthe invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
  • LAPS block apoptotic events induced by caspase-8 and cytochrome c by direct inhibition of distinct campuses
  • NSCLC Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Konopleva and Andreeff "Regulatory pathways in programmed cell death," Cancer Mol Biol, 6:1229-1260, 1999.
  • Rosamine is an aldehyde-fixable potential-sensitive fluorochrome for the detection of early apoptosis," Cytometry, 25(4):333-340, 1996.

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Abstract

Selon l'invention, des composés CDDO conjointement avec d'autres agents chimiothérapeutiques induisent et potentialisent une cytotoxicité et l'apoptose dans une cellule cancéreuse. Une classe d'agents chimiothérapeutiques comprend des rétinoïdes. L'invention concerne également des thérapies contre le cancer fondées sur ces polythérapies. L'invention concerne, en outre, des procédés permettant de traiter une réaction du greffon contres hôtes au moyen des composés CDDO.
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