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Four series of compounds containing an anthraquinone-linked moiety and symmetrical or asymmetrical aminoacyl residues in side chains at positions 1,4-, 1,5-, 2,6-, and 2,7- were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects toward telomerase and hTERT expression. Of these, only compound B11 showed selective inhibition of telomerase activity. Although it is not as competent as several of the anthraquinones we identified previously, nevertheless, the result is consistent with that the general structure moiety at the 1,5-position of diaminoanthraquinone-linked compound is important for the telomerase inhibitory activity. Interestingly, compounds A6, A8, C8, and D8 exhibited selective repressing activities toward hTERT expression and showed less effect toward proliferation of the treated cancer cells. Although it is not apparent which structure moiety is responsible for the telomerase repression effects of these compounds, they could be further developed as potential anti-tumor agents., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic to tumor cells, but their lack of specificity leads to a range of side effects. The off-target effects of such drugs can be improved through the use of nanoparticles (NPs). Administered NPs show enhanced accumulation in tumor tissue near the blood vessels, enhancing both anticancer drug permeability and tumor retention. Several nanocarriers are now approved for clinical use in a range of cancer therapies, and many novel formulations are in the later stages of clinical trials. Here, we describe the advances in this area through the review of novel NP drug formulations developed over the last year. We focus specifically on lung, colon, cervical, and breast cancers and discuss the future of NPs as potential treatment options in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]