Use of ligand-mimicking agents and anti-neoplastic drugs in cancer therapy

This invention is directed toward novel synergistic combinations of ligand-mimicking agents specific to the c-erbB-2 protein and anti-neoplastic drugs or agents, which can be used to treat a mammalian host, usually a human, suspected of having cancer or tumor cells by administering the combination in a therapeutically- or synergistically-effective amount. The drug combinations cytotoxic to tumor cells comprise an anti-neoplastic agent and a molecule, that is not conjugated to the anti-neoplastic agent, that binds the tumor cells and induces an increase in the phosphorylation of c-erbB-2 protein when placed in contact with the tumor cells. Alternatively, the drug combination cytotoxic to tumor cells may comprise an anti-neoplastic agent and a molecule, that is not conjugated to the anti-neoplastic agent, that binds the tumor cells and causes down modulation or internalization of c-erbB-2 protein. The anti-neoplastic drug is preferably an alkylating agent, most preferably cisplatin. This combination is particularly effective for inhibiting the growth of breast and ovarian tumor cells. Methods for killing target tumor cells are contemplated by contacting the target cells with the novel drug combinations, methods for treating mammals by administering therapeutic amounts of the drug combinations are also contemplated.