A METHOD FOR SCREENING COMPOUNDS FOR THEIR POTENTIAL TO INHIBIT NEOPLASIA AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING SUCH COMPOUNDS

摘要

This invention provides a method to identify compounds potentially useful fo r the treatment and prevention of neoplasia in mammals. The phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity of a compound is determined along with its ability to elevate JNK kinase activity. Growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effects on cultured tumor cells are also determined. Compounds that exhibit phosphodiesterase inhibition, an ability to elevate J NK kinase activity, growth inhibition and apoptosis induction are desirable for the treatment of neoplasia.