US4496539A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for treating cancer using galactose-specific lectins
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1982-02-01
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Granted: 1985-01-29
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Expires: 2002-02-01
Abstract
Abstract This invention discloses a method of using galactose-binding lectins, such as Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I ), to kill cancer cells. RCA I has been found to severely weaken certain types of cancer cells, such as bladder carcinoma. This weakening can kill substantial numbers of cancer cells. In addition, it is possible to attach RCA I to other substances which impose stress on cells, such as cytotoxic drugs or enzymes that catalyze exothermic reactions, which can kill weakened cancer cells.
Inventors
- 👤 George M. Plotkin
- 👤 Charles J. Bendrick
- 👤 George Wolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K38/00; A61K38/16; A61K38/43; A61K38/44; A61K38/168; C; C12; C12Y; C12Y111/00; C12Y111/01; C12Y111/01007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of treating cancer cells, comprising contacting the cells with a lectin which specifically binds galactose moieties on the surface of the cell membrane thereby weakening the cell membrane; and, thereafter, applying sufficient localized stress within the cell environs to rupture the weakened cell membrane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of treating cancer cells, comprising contacting the cells with a lectin which specifically binds galactose moieties on the surface of the cell membrane thereby weakening the cell membrane; and, thereafter, applying sufficient localized stress within the cell environs to rupture the weakened cell membrane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 1 wherein the lectin comprises Ricinus communis agglutinin I or Bandeirae simplicifolia lectin I.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method of claim 1 wherein the stress is provided by thermal or mechanical energy.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of treating cancer cells comprising contacting the cells with a lectin which specifically binds galactose moieties on the surface of the cell membrane, said lectin being bonded to an enzyme which catalyzes an exothermic reaction; and, then, contacting the cells with a substrate for said enzyme whereby the release of heat caused by the ensuing exothermic reaction provides stress sufficient to rupture the cell membrane.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of treating cancer cells comprising contacting the cells with a lectin which specifically binds galactose moieties on the surface of the cell membrane, said lectin being bonded to an enzyme which catalyzes an exothermic reaction; and, then, contacting the cells with a substrate for said enzyme whereby the release of heat caused by the ensuing exothermic reaction provides stress sufficient to rupture the cell membrane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 4 wherein the lectin is Ricinus communis agglutinin I or Bandeirae simplicifolia lectin I.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method of claim 4 wherein the lectin is bonded to horseradish peroxidase and the substrate is hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of treating bladder cancer comprising introducing into the bladder a lectin which binds specifically to galactose moieties on the surface of a cell membrane, said lectin being bound to an enzyme which catalyzes an exothermic reaction, and them, introducing into the bladder a substrate for said enzyme.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of treating bladder cancer comprising introducing into the bladder a lectin which binds specifically to galactose moieties on the surface of a cell membrane, said lectin being bound to an enzyme which catalyzes an exothermic reaction, and them, introducing into the bladder a substrate for said enzyme.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method of claim 7 wherein the lectin is Ricinus communis agglutinin I bound to horseradish peroxidase and the substrate is hydrogen peroxide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4132600A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-01-29 | 1988-07-30 | 1989-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-29 | 1992-07-30 | 1993-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-29 | 1996-07-30 | 1997-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |