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Lung cancer accounts for a quarter of all mortality cases worldwide. To date, numerous efforts have been done to identify the best therapeutic approach, especially in the advanced stage of the disease, and to extend the overall survival of patients. Careful surveillance of patients during therapy is essential in order to identify undesirable effects and to evaluate possible adverse reactions in case of coadministration. This study aims to compare two types of anticancer therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, administered to NSCLC patients in the Medical Oncology Unit of the ARNAS “Di Cristina Benfratelli” Civic Hospital in Palermo (Italy), and to highlight the key role of clinical pharmacist in the management of anticancer therapies, by analysing the side effects in the short-term postadministration and the adverse drug reactions, in particular drug-drug interactions, in case of comorbidities.

The marine environment is a rich source of biologically active molecules for the treatment of human diseases, especially cancer. The adaptation to unique environmental conditions led marine organisms to evolve different pathways than their terrestrial counterparts, thus producing unique chemicals with a broad diversity and complexity. So far, more than 36,000 compounds have been isolated from marine micro- and macro-organisms including but not limited to fungi, bacteria, microalgae, macroalgae, sponges, corals, mollusks and tunicates, with hundreds of new marine natural products (MNPs) being discovered every year. Marine-based pharmaceuticals have started to impact modern pharmacology and different anti-cancer drugs derived from marine compounds have been approved for clinical use, such as: cytarabine, vidarabine, nelarabine (prodrug of ara-G), fludarabine phosphate (pro-drug of ara-A), trabectedin, eribulin mesylate, brentuximab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, enfortumab vedotin, belantamab mafodotin, plitidepsin, and lurbinectedin. This review focuses on the bioactive molecules derived from the marine environment with anticancer activity, discussing their families, origin, structural features and therapeutic use. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

A series of 22 derivatives of the [1,2]oxazolo[5,4-e]isoindole system were synthesized through an efficient and versatile procedure that involves the annelation of the [1,2]oxazole moiety to the isoindole ring, producing derivatives with a wide substitution pattern. The structure-activity relationship indicates that the N-4-methoxybenzyl group appears crucial for potent activity. In addition, the presence of a 6-phenyl moiety is important and the best activity is reached with a 3,4,5-trimethoxy substituent. The most active compound, bearing both the structural features, was able to inhibit tumor cell proliferation at nanomolar concentrations when tested against the full NCI human tumor cell line panel. Interestingly, this compound was effective in reducing in vitro and in vivo cell growth, impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis, as a consequence of the inhibition of tubulin polymerization, in experimental models of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM), a rapidly lethal disease, poorly responsive to conventional therapeutic strategies.

A new series of thiazole nortopsentin analogues was conveniently synthesized with fair overall yields. The antiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was tested against different human tumor cell lines of the NCI full panel. Four of them showed good antitumor activity with GI(50) values from micro to nanomolar level. The mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of these derivatives, was pro-apoptotic, being associated with externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine and DNA fragmentation. The most active and selective of the new thiazoles confined viable cells in G2/M phase and markedly inhibited in vitro CDK1 activity. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS.

Background: Isoindolo[2,1-alpha] quinoxalines constitute an important class of compounds which demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity against different human tumor cell lines and topoisomerase I inhibitors. In particular, their water soluble imine or iminium salts recently synthesized showed potent growth inhibitory effect on NCI-60 tumor cell line panel and biological studies performed on the most active compounds demonstrated that they cause DNA damage via topoisomerase I poisoning. Objective: Herein, we investigate with molecular modeling methods, the common features responsible for topoisomerase I inhibition of the water-soluble isoindolo[2,1-alpha] quinoxalin-6-imines, by comparing them with known inhibitors. Methods: Different X-ray crystallographic structures with co-crystallized inhibitors were investigated and their binding modes were analyzed. The structures of the inhibitors were also compared through a pharmacophore analysis. As a validation of our docking method, the co-crystallized inhibitors were re-docked. Conclusion: Our docking studies performed on Isoindolo[2,1-alpha] quinoxalines and other inhibitors revealed very important common features responsible for topoisomerase I inhibition that can improve the design of new inhibitors.

La presente invenzione riguarda composti che presentano nella loro struttura il sistema eterociclico [1,2]Ossazolo[5,4-e]isoindolo, un procedimento per la oro produzione e il loro impiego per la cura di patologie a carattere iperproliferativo comprese quelle di natura neoplastica. I nuovi derivati saggiati al National Cancer Institute di Bethesda su un 60 linee cellulari umane divise in 9 sottopannelli (mammella, ovaie, polmone, colon, SNC, melanoma, leucemia, rene, prostata), hanno mostrato attività antiproliferativa da micro a nanomolare, rivelando alcuni derivati particolarmente promettenti.

A series of substituted 1-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)-3-[2-(isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoxalin-6- ylamino)ethyl]thiourea and 1-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)-3-[2-(6-iminoisoindolo[2,1-a]quinoxalin- 5(6H)-yl)ethyl]thiourea derivatives were prepared in good yields (63-85%) by reaction between the corresponding amino compounds with 5-bromo-2-isothiocyanatopyridine. All thiourea derivatives, tested for inhibition of HIV-1 RT, showed no significant antiviral activity.

Derivatives of the new ring systems bispyrido[4',3':4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-a:1',2'-d] pyrazine-6,13-dione and its deaza analogue pyrido[4'',3'':4',5']pyrrolo-[1',2':4,5]pyrazino [1,2-a]indole-6,13-dione were conveniently synthesized through a four-step sequence. Symmetrical derivatives of the former ring system were obtained through self condensation. On the other hand, condensation of 6-azaindole carboxylic acid with indole 2-carboxylic acid afforded the deaza analogue ring system. Derivatives of the title ring system were tested by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD, USA) and four of them exhibited modest activity against MCF7 (a breast cancer cell line) and/or UO-31 (a renal cancer cell line).

The synthesis of a novel class of tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-g]indazoles is reported, by annelation of the pyrazole ring on the isoindole moiety by means of 5-hydroxymethylene tetrahydroisoindole-4-ones key intermediates, with good regioselectivity. Dihydroderivatives were also obtained by oxidation with DDQ of the corresponding tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-g]indazoles. The growth inhibitory effect was evaluated at the National Cancer Institute of Bethesda and some derivatives showed modest activity.

2,5-bis(3′-Indolyl)pyrroles, analogues of the marine alkaloid nortopsentin, were conveniently prepared through a three step procedure in good overall yields. Derivatives 1a and 1b exhibited concentration-dependent antitumor activity towards a panel of 42 human tumor cell lines with mean IC50 values of 1.54 μM and 0.67 μM, respectively. Investigating human tumor xenografts in an ex-vivo clonogenic assay revealed selective antitumor activity, whereas sensitive tumor models were scattered among various tumor histotypes.

We have designed and synthesized isonetropsin and its one pyrrole unit analogue in which the amine and carbonyl groups have been switched in positions 2 and 4, respectively instead of 4 and 2 positions of the natural antibiotic netropsin.

Pyrrolo[3′,2′:6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridines were synthesized as a new class of tricyclic system in which the pyridine ring is annelated to a cycloheptapyrrole scaffold, with the aim of obtaining new photosensitizing agents with improved antiproliferative activity and lower undesired toxic effects. A versatile synthetic pathway was approached, which allowed the isolation of derivatives of the title ring system with a good substitution pattern on the pyrrole moiety. Photobiological studies revealed that the majority of the new compounds showed a potent cytotoxic effect upon photoactivation with light of the proper wavelength, especially when decorated with a 2-ethoxycabonyl group and a N-benzyl substituted moiety, with EC50 values reaching the submicromolar level. The mechanism of action was evaluated.

A new series of pyrrolo[3′,2′:6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-d]pyrimidin-2-amines, was conveniently prepared using a versatile and high yielding multistep sequence. A good number of derivatives was obtained and the cellular photocytotoxicity was evaluated invitro against three different human tumor cell lines with EC50 (0.08–4.96μM) values reaching the nanomolar level. Selected compounds were investigated by laser flash photolysis. The most photocytotoxic derivative, exhibiting a fairly long-lived triplet state (τ ∼ 7μs) and absorbance in the UV–Vis, was tested in the photo-oxidations of 9,10-anthracenedipropionic acid (ADPA) by singlet oxygen. The photosentizing properties are responsible for the compounds’ ability to photoinduce massive cell death with involvement of mitochondria.

La presente invenzione riguarda derivati a struttura 4,5,6,9- tetraidropirrolo[2',3':3,4]cicloepta[1,2-d]isossazolica, procedimenti per la loro produzione e il loro uso per la cura di patologie a carattere iperproliferativo comprese quelle di natura neoplastica. I nuovi derivati saggiati al National Cancer Institute di Bethesda su un pannello di circa 60 linee cellulari umane divise in 9 sottopannelli (mammella, ovaie, polmone, colon, SNC, melanoma, leucemia, rene, prostata), hanno mostrato attività antiproliferativa da micro a nanomolare, rivelando alcuni derivati particolarmente promettenti

The present invention concerns the synthesis of compounds bearing the PYRROLO[2',3'-3,4]CYCLOEPTA[1,2-d]ISOSSAZOLE structure, and their use for the treatment of pathologies having hyperproliferative features included those having neoplastic nature.

La presente invenzione si riferisce al campo dei composti pirazolo[3,4-h]chinolinici, loro preparazione ed uso medico, in particolare per la cura di patologie a carattere iperproliferativo comprese quelle di natura neoplastica.

Derivatives of the new ring system 1,4-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c][1,2,6] benzothiadiazocin-11(10H)one 5,5-dioxide were synthesized in five or six steps in 57-66% overall yields and tested as COX inhibitors.

A convenient synthesis of the pyrano[2,3-e]isoindol-2-one ring system, an heteroanalogue of angelicin, is reported. Our synthetic approach consists of the annelation of the pyran ring on the isoindole moiety using 5-dialkylamino- or 5-hydroxymethylene intermediates as building blocks. The photoantiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was studied. Some of them bearing the benzyl group at the 8 position were active with IC(50) in the micromolar range. Cell cytotoxicity involves apoptosis, alteration of cell cycle profile and membrane photodamage.

A new series of pyrazolo[3,4-h]quinolines, heteroanalogues of angelicin was conveniently prepared with a broad substitution pattern. A large number of derivatives was obtained and the cellular photocytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro against 5 different human tumor cell lines with GI50 values reaching the nanomolar level (14.52e0.04 mM). Selected compounds were able to photoinduce a massive cell death with the involvement of mitochondria. Their photodamage cellular targets were proteins and lipids and they did not cause any kind of DNA photodamage. This latter event is of considerable importance in the modulation of long term side effects, generally associated with the use of classical furocoumarins.

A new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and the indole unit bound to position 2 of the thiazole ring was substituted by a 7-azaindole moiety, was efficiently synthesized. Two of the new nortopsentin analogues showed good antiproliferative effect against the totality of the NCI full panel of human tumor cell lines (~60) having GI50 values ranging from low micromolar to nanomolar level. The mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of these derivatives, investigated on human hepatoma HepG2 cells, was pro-apoptotic, being associated with externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the compounds induced a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in the subG0/G1phase, while confined viable cells in G2/M phase.

Water-soluble isoindoloquinoxalin (IIQ) imines and the corresponding acetates were conveniently prepared from the key intermediates 2-(2′-aminophenyl)-2H-isoindole-1-carbonitriles obtained by a Strecker reaction between substituted 1,2-dicarbaldehydes and 1,2-phenylenediamines. Both series were screened by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD) and showed potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of 60 human tumor cell lines. Several of the novel compounds showed GI50 values at a nanomolar level on the majority of the tested cell lines. Among IIQ derivatives, methoxy substituents at positions 3 and 8 or/and 9 were especially effective in impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. These effects were associated to IIQ-mediated impairment of tubulin polymerization at pharmacologically significant concentrations of tested compounds. In addition, impaired DNA topoisomerase I functions and perturbation in telomere architecture were observed in cells exposed to micromolar concentrations of IIQ derivatives. The above results suggest that IIQ derivatives exhibit multi-target cytotoxic activities.

Two new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and indole units were both substituted by 7-azaindole moieties or one indole unit was replaced by a 6-azaindole portion, were efficiently synthesized. Compounds belonging to both series inhibited the growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells at low micromolar concentrations, whereas they did not affect the viability of normal-like intestinal cells. A compound of the former series induced apoptosis, evident as externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine (PS), and changes of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, while blocking the cell cycle in G2/M phase. In contrast, a derivative of the latter series elicited distinct responses in accordance with the dose. Thus, low concentrations (GI30) induced morphological changes characteristic of autophagic death with massive formation of cytoplasmic acid vacuoles without apparent loss of nuclear material, and with arrest of cell cycle at the G1 phase, whereas higher concentrations (GI70) induced apoptosis with arrest of cell cycle at the G1 phase. © 2015 by the authors licensee MDPI Basel Switzerland.

A new series of pyrrolo[3,4- h ]quinazolines was conveniently prepared with a broad substitution pattern. A large number of derivatives was obtained and the cellular cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro against 5 different human tumor cell lines with GI 50 values reaching the low micromolar level (1.3–19.8 μM). These compounds were able to induce cell death mainly by apoptosis through a mitochondrial dependent pathway. Selected compounds showed antimitotic activity and a reduction of tubulin polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, they showed anti-angiogenic properties since reduced in vitro endothelial cell migration and disrupted HUVEC capillary-like tube network in Matrigel.

A large number of indolyl-4-azaindolyl thiazoles, nortopsentin analogues, were conveniently synthesized. The antiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was examined against four human tumor cell lines with different histologic origin. Seven derivatives consistently reduced the growth of the experimental models independently of TP53 gene status and exhibited the highest activity against the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (STO) cell line. The most active compound of this series acts as a CDK1 inhibitor, and was found to cause cell cycle arrest at G 2 /M phase, to induce apoptosis by preventing the phosphorylation of survivin in Thr 34 and to increase the cytotoxic activity of paclitaxel in STO cells.

Derivatives of new ring systems 11H-pyrido[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo[3,2-c]cinnoline and pyrido[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,2,3]benzotriazine have been prepared from the key intermediates 2-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-yl)anilines in excellent yields (94-99%) and screened by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD) on about 60 human tumor cell lines derived from nine cancer cell types. The tested compounds exhibited antiproliferative activity against all the human cell lines, showing comparable MG_MID (mean graph midpoint) values in the range of 0.74-1.15 μM. A particular efficacy was observed against the leukemia subpanel (GI50 = 0.73-0.0090 μM). Flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle demonstrated an increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase. The compounds caused apoptosis of the cells, mitochondrial depolarization, generation of reactive oxygen species, and activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Moreover, they acted as topoisomerase I inhibitors.

‘Interrupted’ diazotization of 3-aminoindoles and 3-aminopyrroles, achieved by quenching with cold water immediately after the addition of nitrite, led, in good yields, to stable compounds whose structures were identified to be the diazonium species with nitrate as the counter ion, which show no saline character.

A series of substituted ethyl 1-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]-2-methyl-5- (1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-4-[(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylates were prepared in excellent yields (82-98%) by one-pot reactions between β-dicarbonyl compounds 12a-e and 1,2-diaza-1,3-diene (DD) 13. Derivatives 10a,c-e, deazaanalogues of the bis-indole alkaloid topsentin, screened by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD, USA) in the in vitro one dose primary anticancer assay against a panel of about 60 human tumor cell lines, showed no significant activity, with the exception of compound 9e, which showed moderate activity against the HOP-92 cell line of the non small cell lung cancer sub-panel and the SNB-75 cell line of the CNS sub-panel.

In this study, we describe the synthesis of new nortopsentin analogues, 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives and their biological effects in experimental models of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM), a rare and rapidly fatal disease, poorly responsive to conventional therapies. The three most active compounds, 1f (3-[2-(5-fluoro-1-methyl-1H-indol-3- yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine), 3f (3-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1,3- thiazol-4-yl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine), and 1l (3-[2-(5-fluoro-1- methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b] pyridine), which were shown to act as cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitors, consistently reduced DMPM cell proliferation and induced a caspase-dependent apoptotic response, with a concomitant reduction of the expression of the active Thr34-phosphorylated form of the antiapoptotic protein survivin. Moreover, the combined treatment of DMPM cells with 3f derivative and paclitaxel produced a synergistic cytotoxic effect, which was paralleled by an enhanced apoptotic response. In the mouse model, i.p. administration of 1f, 3f, and 1l derivatives was effective, resulting in a significant tumor volume inhibition of DMPM xenografts (range, 58−75%) at well-tolerated doses, and two complete responses were observed in each treatment group.