Methods for treating a subject with cancer using a combined therapeutic regimen comprising administering propolis or caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in conjunction with other cancer therapeutics are described herein. More particularly, methods for treating subjects with breast cancer using the combined therapeutic regimen are embodied herein. The present methods are particularly useful for treating cancer patients (e.g., breast cancer patients) who are refractory to or who have become refractory to the cancer therapeutic/s used in combination with propolis or CAPE. Propolis or CAPE for use in a combined treatment with other cancer therapeutics for treating cancer patients and compositions comprising propolis or CAPE and other cancer therapeutics are also encompassed herein wherein the ability of propolis or CAPE to act as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor is used to advantage. Also encompassed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases caused by or associated with viral infections. In particular embodiments, methods and compositions for the treatment of viral infections caused by or associated with retroviruses are envisioned, wherein the ability of propolis or CAPE to act as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor is also used to advantage. Also encompassed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases caused by or associated with viral infections.
