Synthesis of analogues of anthraquinones linked to tuftsin or retro-tuftsin residues as potential topoisomerase inhibitors

Abstract

A novel group of [(4-, 5- or 8)-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone-1-yl]-(tuftsin or retro-tuftsin) acids and methyl esters has been synthesized as potential anticancer compounds. The corresponding protected tuftsin or retro-tuftsin derivatives were also synthesized. We hope that combining compounds of different mechanisms of action will improve their clinical properties, and that our new analogues will be much more effective against multidrug-resistant tumour cell lines.