The Schweinfurthins: New Leads for Novel Breast Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Abstract : The schweinfurthins are natural products first isolated from an African plant. Two% of these compounds, Schweinfurthins A and B, have demonstrated a unique pattern of cytotoxicity in the NCI's 60 cell line panel, and breast cancer cell lines such as MCF7 and HS 578T were among the more sensitive. To study the basis of the unique activity of these compounds, and to develop a more reliable source, a chemical synthesis has been initiated. These efforts have led to preparation of Schweinfurthin C, the inactive congener, by a synthetic strategy centered on a right half subunit that also can be employed in synthesis of Schweinfurthins A and B. Two routes have been explored for preparation of the required left half of the bioactive compounds. The more advanced route is based on the cationic cyclization of a monocyclic precursor to a tricyclic target.