2-AMINOPROPAN-1,3-DIOL CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical system adapted to inhibit the growth of a mammalian cancer tumor or cell characterized by a chemotherapeutic agent selected from adriamycin and cisplatin in conjunction with an effective amount of a potentiating agent comprising a compound having formula (I), wherein R is C5-C20 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl. The present invention further provides a method of inhibiting the in vitro growth of a mammalian cancer tumor or cell comprising administering to the tumor or cell an amount of a chemotherapy agent selected from adriamycin and cisplatin effective to inhibit growth of the tumor or cell; and administering to the tumor or cell an amount of a potentiating agent comprising a compound having formula (II) wherein R is C5-C20 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, in an amount effective to induce enhanced growth inhibition produced by the chemotherapy agent.