The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for augmenting treatment of cancers and other proliferative disorders. In particular embodiments, the invention combines the administration of an agent that inhibits the anti-apoptotic activity of galectin-3 (e.g., a "galectin-3 inhibitor") so as to potentiate the toxicity of a chemotherapeutic agent. In certain preferred embodiments, the conjoint therapies of the present invention can be used to improve the efficacy of those chemotherapeutic agents whose cytotoxicity is influenced by the status of an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein for the treated cell. For instance, galectin-3 inhibitors can be administered in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent that interferes with DNA replication fidelity or cell-cycle progression of cells undergoing unwanted proliferation.
本发明涉及增强癌症和其他增殖性疾病治疗的方法和组合物。在特定的实施方案中,本发明结合施用抑制galectin-3抗凋亡活性的制剂(如 "galectin-3
抑制剂"),从而增强化疗药物的毒性。在某些优选的实施方案中,本发明的联合疗法可用于提高那些细胞毒性受治疗细胞抗凋亡 Bcl-2 蛋白状态影响的化疗药物的疗效。例如,galectin-3
抑制剂可与干扰细胞DNA复制保真度或细胞周期进展的化疗药物联合使用。