Anticancer compounds and methods

Abstract

The testing of tumor cells, including human tumors capable of metastases, in assays employing fibronectin-depleted substrates is described. Ex vivo induction of cells, including biopsied human cells, is performed with invasion-inducing agents. Additionally, anti-cancer chemotherapeutics are described. Specifically, chemotherapeutic agents which have anti-metastatic and anti-growth properties are described including non-peptide compositions of matter.

1 . An isolated peptide less than 100 amino acids in length, comprising the amino acid sequence PHSCN, wherein C is the L-isomer. 
     
     
         2 . An isolated peptide less than 100 amino acids in length, comprising the amino acid sequence PHSXN, wherein X is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of homo-cysteine, histidine, penicillamine, or the D-isomer of cysteine. 
     
     
         3 . The isolated peptide of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the amino terminus of said peptide is blocked with an acetyl group, and the carboxy terminus of said peptide is blocked with an amide group. 
     
     
         4 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the peptide of  claim 1  or  2 , and a physiologically compatible excipient. 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating cancer in a subject having cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of  claim 4 , wherein said cancer comprises tumor cells expressing a fibronectin receptor. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the cancer is a cancer of the breast or prostate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the composition is administered intravenously, intrathecally, intraperitoneally, or orally. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the subject is a human. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising administering a cytotoxic agent.