USE OF VITAMIN D COMPOUNDS AND MIMICS THEREOF TO ENHANCE DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTICS AND OXYGEN TO TUMORS AND OTHER TISSUES

摘要

Disclosed is a method of treating a hyperproliferative disease or other condition in an animal by first determining the performance status of the animal and then administering a vitamin D compound or mimic thereof to an animal determined to exhibit diminished performance status. Also disclosed is a method of treating a hyperproliferative disease or other condition in an animal by first detecting a biomarker of inflammation in the animal and then administering a vitamin D compound or mimic thereof to the animal determined to exhibit an elevated or diminished level of the biomarker. Also disclosed a method of improving delivery of a therapeutic agent to tumors or other tissues characterized by a reduced response to therapy. Also disclosed is a method of improving the perfusion of blood and oxygen to tumors or other tissues comprising administering a vitamin D compound or mimic thereof, thereby improving the oxygenation of the tumors or other tissues. Also disclosed is a method of treating an animal with tumors or other tissues characterized by impaired perfusion and/or hypoxia, comprising determining whether the tumor or other tissue exhibits impaired perfusion and/or hypoxia, administering to the animal a vitamin D compound or mimic thereof and a compound known to decrease inflammation in tumors or other tissues and administering to the tumors or other tissues one or more therapeutic agents or treatments. Also disclosed is a method for palliative care of terminal cancer patients by administering to the patient a vitamin D compound or mimic thereof. Also disclosed in a method for improving the perfusion, distribution and/or penetration of a therapeutic agent into a tumor microenvironment comprising administering a vitamin D compound or a mimic thereof by high dose pulse administration (HDPA).