Compositions and methods for treating lung cancers

Abstract

Sesquiterpene epoxide compounds (trichothecenes) and methods for administering such compounds by inhalation, to inhibit proliferation of, or reduce viability of, neoplasms in the lungs are disclosed. Methods for chemical debridement of diseased cells in the lungs of COPD patients as well as inhibition of inflammatory responses in the lungs are also disclosed.

I Claim:  
     
         1 . A method of inhibiting the proliferation of, or reducing cell populations of, neoplasms in the lungs of humans or non-human animals, comprising administration by inhalation of therapeutically effective amounts of compound(s) containing a central sesquiterpene epoxide structure.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound(s) are trichothecene(s).  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said trichothecene(s) are a compound or compounds having the following structure(s):  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       Some representative examples of R′ include:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       or molecules of the following general formula:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       or molecules of the following general formula:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       or molecules of the following general formula:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       or molecules of the following general formula:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         4 . The method of claims  1  through  3  wherein said compound(s) are fragments or sub-units of a sesquiterpene epoxide or trichothecene, which still possess the biological activity of inhibiting protein synthesis.  
     
     
         5 . A method of chemical debridement or chemexfoliation for lung tissue comprising administration, by inhalation, of therapeutically effective amounts of compound(s) containing a central sesquiterpene epoxide structure.  
     
     
         6 . The method of claims  5  wherein said compound(s) are trichothecene, or fragments or sub-units of a sesquiterpene epoxide or trichothecene, which still possess the biological activity of inhibiting protein synthesis.  
     
     
         7 . A method of inhibiting or preventing inflammation in the lungs comprising administration, by inhalation, of therapeutically effective amounts of compound(s) containing a central sesquiterpene epoxide structure.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said compound(s) are trichothecene(s), or fragments or sub-units of a sesquiterpene epoxide or trichothecene, which still possess the biological activity of inhibiting protein synthesis.