Methods of inhibition or killing cancer cells using an endoperoxide

摘要

Methods of inhibiting or killing cancer cells are disclosed wherein compounds having an endoperoxide moiety that is reactive with heme are administered under conditions which enhance intracellular iron concentrations. Representative endoperoxide compounds include endoperoxide bearing sesquiterpene compounds such as artemisinin and its analogs, arteflene and its analogs, 1,2,4-trioxanes and 1,2,4,5- tetraoxanes. Intracellular iron concentrations may be enhanced by the administration of iron salts or complexes.