Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Glucose Transporter Inhibitor-SN38 Conjugates for Targeting Colorectal Cancer
Journal
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Journal Volume
66
Journal Issue
14
Date Issued
2023-07-27
Author(s)
Chiu, Pei Fang
Chang, Chun Kai
Huang, Pin Shuo
Lin, You Yu
Lin, Chung Shun
Yang, Hui Yi
Abstract
Irinotecan (1), a prodrug of SN38 (2) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating colorectal cancer, lacks specificity and causes many side effects. To increase the selectivity and therapeutic efficacy of this drug, we designed and synthesized conjugates of SN38 and glucose transporter inhibitors (phlorizin (5) or phloretin (6)), which could be hydrolyzed by glutathione or cathepsin to release SN38 in the tumor microenvironment, as a proof of concept. These conjugates (8, 9, and 10) displayed better antitumor efficacy with lower systemic exposure to SN38 in an orthotopic colorectal cancer mouse model compared with irinotecan at the same dosage. Further, no major adverse effects of the conjugates were observed during treatment. Biodistribution studies showed that conjugate 10 could induce higher concentrations of free SN38 in tumor tissues than irinotecan at the same dosage. Thus, the developed conjugates exhibit potential for treating colorectal cancer.
SDGs
Type
journal article