| abstract |
A method for identifying potentially therapeutically effective antineoplastic compounds comprising determining the ability of test compounds to act as activators of the caspase cascade in viable cultured eukaryotic cells having an intact cell membrane and expressing a cancer phenotype, wherein a test compound that enhances caspase cascade activity is determined to have potential therapeutic efficacy. The method specifically differentiates activators of the caspase cascade from non-specific cell poisons. A therapeutic method useful to modulate in vivo apoptosis or in vivo neoplastic disease, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of a compound identified as a caspase cascade activator is provided. Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and a kit for performing the therapeutic method are further provided. |