The present invention features methods of treating a cancer in a subject
by administering an effective amount of a beta-lactone to the subject.
The invention also features methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in a
subject by administering an effective amount of an inhibitor of fatty
acid synthase to the subject. These methods can be used to treat a
variety of cancers and other diseases and conditions. The invention also
features methods of identifying beta-lactones and other compounds that
can be used in the methods of the invention for the treatment of tumors,
inhibition of angiogenesis, and the treatment of diseases and conditions
that involve pathological angiogenesis. The invention also features
methods of synthesizing beta-lactones and features novel beta-lactone
compounds.