| abstract |
The invention provides methods of treating cancer including administering an effective amount of selected terpenes to a mammal having the cancer when the cancer is prostate cancer, colon cancer, astrocytoma, or sarcoma. The terpene is selected from the group consisting of a cyclic monoterpene, a noncyclic monoterpene, a noncyclic sesquiterpene and a noncyclic diterpene. The invention also provides a method of sensitizing a cancer to radiation including administering an effective amount of a terpene to a mammal having the cancer wherein the terpene is selected from the group noted above. Additionally, the invention provides methods of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells including applying an effective amount of a selected terpene to the cancer cells which are cells of prostate cancer, colon cancer, osteosarcoma, or glioblastoma. |