Par-4 agonists for the treatment of cancer

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods of treating cancers by administration of a PAR-4 agonist.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating cancer, comprising administering cefuroxime, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, to a patient in need thereof, in an amount effective to increase expression of prostate apoptosis response 4 (PAR-4). 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the cefuroxime prodrug comprises cefuroxime axetil. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises administering at least one additional cancer treatment. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the additional cancer treatment comprises administering one or more additional chemotherapeutic agents. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the additional cancer treatment comprises administering ionizing radiation to the patient. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the cefuroxime is administered for a period of at least one week prior to commencing radiation treatment. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the additional cancer treatment comprises a surgical intervention. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the cefuroxime is administered for a period of at least one week prior to the surgical intervention. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the cefuroxime and additional chemotherapeutic acid are administered in an intermittent dosing regimen. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the cefuroxime and additional chemotherapeutic acid are administered simultaneously. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the cefuroxime and additional chemotherapeutic acid are administered separately. 
     
     
         12 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising cefuroxime and at least one additional therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         13 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein the additional therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         14 . A kit comprising cefuroxime and at least one other therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         15 . The kit according to claim  17 , wherein the additional therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.