Method of sensitizing cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of death receptor ligands in cancer treatment

US9238069B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Thomas Joseph Sayers · Boonsboro, US
• Nancy Lynn Booth · Bethesda, US
• Curtis J. Henrich · Rockville, US
• Alan David Brooks · Frederick, US
• Kirk R. Gustafson · Frederick, US
• Karen L. Erickson · Oxford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 2010
• Grant date: Jan 19, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 1, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61P35/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of enhancing the response of cancer cells in a mammal to treatment with a death receptor ligand, which method comprises contacting the cancer cells with a death receptor ligand in conjunction with an effective amount of a compound described herein, for example, a cucurbitacin (I) or a withanolide (II). Also disclosed is a method of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells in a mammal, comprising contacting the cancer cells with a compound described herein, for example, a cucurbitacin (I) or a withanolide (II) and also contacting the cancer cells with a death receptor ligand, whereby apoptosis is induced in the cancer cells.