Methods and compositions for modulating cell proliferation and cell death

Abstract

Methods and compositions for modulating the FGF effect on the sensitivity of malignant and normal cells to anticancer agents are provided. In particular, methods and compositions for inhibiting FGF-induced resistance to a broad spectrum of anticancer agents in solid and soft-tissue tumors, metastatic lesions, leukemia and lymphoma are provided. Preferably, the compositions include at least one FGF inhibitor in combination with a cytotoxic agents, e.g., antimicrotubule agents, topoisomerase I inhibitors, topoisomerase II inhibitors, antimetabolites, mitotic inhibitors, alkylating agents, intercalating agents, agents capable of interfering with a signal transduction pathway (e.g., g., a protein kinase C inhibitor, e.g., an anti-hormone, e.g., an antibody against growth factor receptors), an agent that promotes apoptosis and/or necrosis, an interferon, an interleukin, a tumor necrosis factor, and radiation. In other embodiments, methods and composition for protecting a cell in a subject, from one or more of killing, inhibition of growth or division or other damage caused, e.g., by a cytotoxic agent, are provided. Preferably, the method includes: administering, to the subject, an effective amount of at least one FGF agonist, thereby treating the cell, e.g., protecting or reducing the damage to the dividing cell from said cytotoxic agent.