Treatment of metastatic tumors

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods and methods for the treatment, inhibition and / or reduction, and detection of metastatic tumors. In some embodiments, the inventive methods include systemic (e.g., intravenous) administration of a chlorotoxin agent that may or may not be labeled. In some embodiments, the inventive methods allow treatment, inhibition and / or reduction, and detection of metastases in the brain. In some embodiments, neovascularization is inhibited and / or newly formed vessels are caused to regress.

Description

[0001] Related Application Information

[0002] This application claims U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 053,651 (filed May 15, 2008), 61 / 153,273 (filed February 17, 2009), and 61 / 173,121 (filed April 27, 2009) application), the contents of each application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background technique

[0003] The ability of cancer cells to spread, or metastasize, is considered the most deadly aspect of cancer. Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and travel to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and / or lymphatic system, forming distant metastases. The treatment and diagnosis of these metastatic tumors is a challenge due in part to the number of metastases that can form and the distance the metastases travel from the primary tumor site. The most common metastatic sites include lung, bone, liver, and brain. Metastases localized in the brain pose a different problem than metastases that develop in other organs of the ...

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